From hand-made clothing and domestic furnishings to public demonstrations and programming, Plimoth Plantation’s Historical Clothing and Textiles Program is one of the many components that allow the Museum to bring history to life! Through practical, hands-on learning experiences, the Historical Clothing and Textiles Artisan intern will learn how reproducing historically accurate clothing in a museum setting encompasses a multitude of skills and processes, including research and development, use of period and modern construction techniques.  Interns will also have the opportunity to share this knowledge and skill with our guests who visit Plimoth Plantation!
Position Summary: 
Under the mentorship of the Manager of the Historical Clothing and Textiles Department, the Historical Clothing and Textile intern will gain valuable experience and insight into the steps involved in reproducing period clothing including research in the departmental and museum libraries. The intern will build skills and knowledge in pattern drafting, period construction techniques, 17th century accessories or trims (thread wrapped buttons, card woven trim, hat making, etc) and the unique workings of a costume shop within a museum environment.
Responsibilities:
  • Under the mentorship of the Manager and other textile artisans, construct garments from individual measurements to final fitting and finishing
  • Assist in maintenance of interpreters wardrobe, including laundry and mending
  • Assist in the daily operations of costume shop, including attending daily meeting, and scheduling appointments
  • Shadow textile artisan in public Craft Center space
  • Conduct research and development as needed to complete projects
  • Assist with collaborative inter-department textile related programming and projects as needed, including summer camp program, special events, retail projects, and knitting group
  • Collaborate and assist with department’s volunteers
Plimoth Plantation’s 2015 Summer Internship Program is a full-time commitment, running for May 26-July 17, 2015.  Housing is available to those out of driving distance on a lottery basis.
Qualifications:
Basic patterning skills, experience with operating industrial sewing machinery, hand stitching skills, familiarity with textile vocabulary, knowledge and/or interest in post-medieval or early modern history.
How To Apply:

Students can apply online by visiting http://www.plimoth.org/interns-volunteers/internships/internship-opportunities/internship-application Complete the application – answering all questions – and send it with the following information. Only complete application packets will be accepted. A complete application packet includes:
  • A current resume
  • Cover letter
  • Professional letter of recommendation from an academic advisor.
PLEASE NOTE: These materials may be emailed directly to bwright@plimoth.org, or a paper copy may be sent to Plimoth Plantation, P.O. Box 1620, Plymouth, MA 02362
Apply by:
March 17, 2015
Salary:
Intern is eligible for the Mary Merrill Intern Scholarship, a $2,500.00 stipend
About this Organization:
One of America’s foremost living history museums and an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, Plimoth Plantation hosts more than 350,000 visitors from around the world each year. Plimoth offers powerful personal encounters with history built on thorough research about the Indigenous People of southeastern Massachusetts and the Colonial English community in the 1600s. In addition to its most famous exhibits, historically accurate recreations of a 1627 English Village, the Mayflower II, and a Wampanoag Homesite, Plimoth Grist Mill, the museum offers an array of year-round educational programs.