English Village Horticultural Summer Internship [Plimoth Plantation, Inc.]

Are you interested in historic horticulture and workways? Do you love getting your hands dirty and learning in a collaborative environment? Plimoth Plantation, one of the regions premier living history museums, is offering an English Village Horticultural Internship for summer 2015. This position will provide the chosen candidate with a unique opportunity to explore 17th century horticultural theory and practices in a museum setting. Interns will be mentored by the Manager of the English Village, our Horticulturalist and English Village Garden Specialist in this collaborative, hands-on internship that will build insight and experience into the cultivation, maintenance, and reproduction of 17th century gardens in the English Village.

Position Summary:
Under the mentorship of Manager of the English Village, our Horticulturalist and English Village Garden Specialist, the English Village Horticultural Intern will gain insight and experience into the maintenance and reproduction raised bed gardens in the recreated 17th century English village. The intern will learn plant identification, propagation, garden design and pest management. While cultivating plants commonly used in 17th century Plymouth, the intern will gain knowledge of herb, vegetable and native plant uses. They will become acquainted with humoral theory, a philosophy that guided medical theory and practice among the 17th century English. The ideal candidate will be comfortable helping both behind the scenes and interpreting in front of the public, to explain and illustrate colonial garden practices and to further the museum’s educational mission to preserve heirloom plants and historic workways. This internship also provides an opportunity to collaborate with staff, volunteers and fellow interns in complementary museum departments, including Colonial Interpretation, Farm and Education. A self-designed research project is both possible and encouraged.

Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of English Village and Horticulture staff, assist with maintenance of English village gardens and demonstration herb boxes
Participate in collaborative projects designing new planting spaces
Assist with greenhouse operations, planting seedlings for use on site
Conduct research and development as needed to complete projects
Interpret heirloom plants and their use in the 17th and 21st century for Plimoth Plantation guests
Plimoth Plantation’s 2015 Summer Internship Program is a full-time, 8 week commitment. The start date for this specific internship is flexible.
Qualifications:
Educational experience in the study of horticulture or a related field, basic knowledge of gardening techniques and terminology, ability to work outdoors in weather extremes and lift fifty pounds, good organizational and communication skills, an interest in garden history and an enjoyment in working with the public.
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:
April 23, 2015
Salary:
Intern is eligible for the New England Farm and Garden Association Horticulture Scholarship, a $1,500.00 stipend given in honor of Shirley Amory
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.