The Whipple Company Store and Museum in Scarbro, West Virginia seeks a collections intern for Summer 2011. The Whipple Company Store and Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the oldest, last of its kind, wooden coal camp company stores left in the country. The objects in the museum collection include such things as small remnants from the coal mining era, household items, tools, and photographs.

The intern will focus mainly on cataloging artifacts and creating small exhibits. Although the emphasis will be on enhancing the collection, the position does allow for individual projects and interests. The internship will last between four and 12 weeks. There is no stipend, however, free on-site housing with facilities is provided. This is a rural area and public transportation is not available. Therefore, intern will need own transportation or transportation can be provided for the duration of the internship as long as proof of insurance is given.

The museum is located in idyllic Fayette County and is an outdoor enthusiast and history buff’s ideal location. The area is surrounded by the New and Gauley Rivers, Babcock State Park, Gauley River National Recreational Area, Hawks Nest State Park, historic Fayetteville, Beckley, Lewisburg, and Charleston just to name a few.

Qualifications: Interest and knowledge of American history, specifically material culture and/or Appalachian history. Candidates must either be enrolled in or a recent graduate of an undergraduate or graduate program emphasizing history, museum studies, or related field.

For more information about the site, please visit our website: http://www.whipplecompanystore.com/

Please direct questions or requests for more information about the internship to Joy Lynn.