Historical Tour Guide Internship

Are you passionate about history? Do you love working with people and sharing information? Interested in cultural preservation and historical research?

The African American Heritage Trail of Martha’s Vineyard is seeking historical tour guide interns to lead guided tours along the Island’s historic African American Heritage Trail! Interns will take visitors through Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, and across the island, sharing the powerful stories behind the plaques that mark significant historical sites. In this hands-on program, the participants will develop public speaking, storytelling, and leadership skills while deepening their understanding of African American history and cultural preservation. Interns will also engage in historical research and community outreach, gaining valuable experience in education and tourism. This opportunity is ideal for students or young professionals interested in history, public speaking, education, and museum or nonprofit work.


About the Employer
The African American Heritage Trail of Martha’s Vineyard offers guided tours that explore the Island’s rich African American history. Our tours take visitors through Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, and across the entire island, following a route marked by historical plaques that share key stories of resilience, achievement, and cultural heritage. Each stop provides a glimpse into the past, highlighting the contributions of African Americans to Martha’s Vineyard.

Details

Start Date: May/June | flexible

Hours: 15-25 hours/week | Tours run seven days a week at 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM, and interns will be scheduled to lead or assist with multiple tours per week.

Duration: Through August, with the possibility for extension into the fall for interested candidates.

Opportunity Open to: High School Students, College Students, Young Professionals (20s)

Duties + Responsibilities

  • Lead guided tours of the African American Heritage Trail, sharing historical narratives with visitors.

  • Receive training and mentorship in public speaking, storytelling, and historical interpretation.

  • Conduct historical research, including archival work and oral history collection, to enhance tour content.

  • Engage in community outreach, helping to promote the trail and its educational initiatives.

  • Assist in the maintenance and development of tour materials and historical site documentation.

  • Collaborate with mentors, historians, and community leaders to deepen knowledge of African American history.

  • Participate in weekly meetings with program coordinators to discuss progress and receive feedback.

  • Support marketing efforts by documenting tours, engaging on social media, or writing blog posts when applicable.


Skills + Experience

Required skills:

  • Valid Driver’s license + clean driving record: the candidate must be comfortable driving groups of people (not for HS students)

  • Strong communication and public speaking skills

  • Ability to engage with diverse audiences and work in a public-facing role

  • Interest in history, storytelling, and cultural preservation

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

  • Strong time management and reliability

Bonus points for:

  • Previous experience in public speaking, performing, or leading group activities

  • Background in history, education, tourism, or museum studies

  • Experience in customer service or community engagement

  • Comfort with research and handling historical materials

  • Adaptability and ability to think on your feet in live tour settings

The ideal candidate is:

  • Curious about a career in history, education, public speaking, cultural preservation, or tourism

  • Passionate about storytelling, engaging with people, and sharing important historical narratives

  • Has past experience with public speaking, research, performing, or customer service

  • Is eager to lead guided tours, communicate confidently with diverse audiences, and work both independently and as part of a team

Compensation

Compensation: $15–$20 per hour, based on experience and role.

Perks:

  • Mentorship opportunities with historians, educators, and community leaders.

  • Flexible scheduling based on availability and program needs.

  • Networking opportunities with local professionals and nonprofit organizations.

    Scroll down to view the CAMP program requirements & to access the application!

    • Leading engaging public tours and storytelling with confidence

    • Researching and sharing historical facts and cultural stories

    • Communicating with diverse audiences in an interactive, educational setting

    • Learning the basics of tourism, visitor engagement, and event coordination

    • Assisting with community outreach and social media (optional)

    • Teamwork and collaboration with mentors and fellow interns

    • Time management and handling real-world responsibilities

    • Problem-solving and adaptability in live tour settings

  • By the end of the internship, the participant will be able to confidently lead guided tours, engage audiences with storytelling and historical interpretation. The participant will develop a strong understanding of Martha’s Vineyard’s African American history and its significance, as well as a general understanding of tourism, visitor engagement and community outreach.

  • • Education and Teaching • Museum Studies and Curation • Historical Research and Preservation • Public History and Cultural Heritage • Tourism and Hospitality • Community Engagement and Outreach • Nonprofit Work and Program Coordination • Public Speaking and Event Hosting

CAMP! Internship Program Requirements

BootCAMP!
CAMP! interns are required to participate in BootCAMP–a weekend of in-person professional development workshops. Topics covered include professionalism, goal setting, skill development, financial wellness, and preparing a professional profile.
Upon completion, interns will receive a certificate of completion. Exemptions may be permitted under exceptional circumstances.

When: Saturday + Sunday | June 21 + 22, 2025

Location: In-person at Slough Farm in Edgartown, MA.
More details coming soon!

Mandatory check-ins
Throughout the program, interns will participate in check-ins with the CAMP team.
This includes an initial onboarding meeting at the beginning of the internship program, a group coaching session, and an end of program check in.

During check-ins, interns will reflect on their personal and professional goals and accomplishments relating to their internship experience.