You can sign up online to become a volunteer at the Cumberland County Historical Society. First, read the brochure explaining our volunteer program. If you like what you see, click on the "Sign Up with Us" link below. This will take you to the Volunteer Application page where you can print the form on your home printer, complete it, and send it to the CCHS. Of course, you can call for the information and application if you do not want to do it online. Please join the staff and other volunteers in helping to "Make It Happen."

If the volunteer program is for you, click on the User Friendly printer link below, taking you to a page that can be printed on your home printer, completed, and sent to the CCHS at: 

Mission and Goals:  The purpose of the Society is to collect, preserve, interpret and promote research of the history of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, from the first Native Americans to the present.  Working with individuals, organizations and agencies interested in the history of the county, the mission of the Society shall be to:
 

a.  Maintain a research library and a historical museum with collection accessible 
     to the public.
b.  Collect and preserve public and private documents, books, records, photographs 
     and artifacts of historical value.
c.  Assist historical research.
d.  Publish source materials, the results of historical inquiry and information about the
     Society and others related to county history.
e.  Create public awareness of the historical heritage of the county through education 
     and outreach programs.
f.   Promote the public and private preservation of buildings, structures and artifacts of 
     historical value.
g.  Raise and administer funds for the purpose of the Society.
h.  Purchase, sell, rent, borrow and/or loan real and personal property in accordance 
     with the purpose of the Society.

Brief Description of CCHS:  Local history is replete with events, people, places and objects that have helped to shape not only local history but also the history of our state and nation.  Understanding and appreciating our past can help us to understand the world we live in today.  When visitors walk through the doors at the CCHS, they are provided with an important link to the past.  They come in contact with artifacts and documents, real and convincing, that tell the stories of evolving lives, a changing world and the ideas and dreams that shaped our country.  The objects and records give us a sense of continuity—of where we have been and how far we can go—our past is indeed our present and a prologue to our future.  For 129 years the CCHS has played an important role in making Carlisle a special place to work and live—a place to celebrate our rich heritage.

As one of the first county historical societies established in Pennsylvania, the CCHS serves as a non-profit organization that operates a museum and library designed to interpret the heritage of Cumberland County.  The historical society contains a large photo collection and has several published works.  Much of the research being done involves the Carlisle Indian School.

Internship Program:  Internships provide structured learning experiences scheduled within a specific timeframe.  The experience should be relevant to the intern’s academic and professional goals.  Internships are performed under the direction of staff.  Projects are determined based on the interests of the student and the needs of the CCHS.

Applicants are evaluated on their academic standing, scholarly qualifications, and experiences, proposed study/interests, suitability to CCHS collections, faculties and programs.  Internships are issued through a rolling application process.

Internship Requirements:  During the time of their service, interns must currently be enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate of an academic institution and possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.  It is highly preferred that interns be interested in history, museums, education or other related subjects. 

Internships at the CCHS should be taken for academic credit.  However, non-credit internships are also available and involve the same application process.  Interns usually serve for anywhere between three to six months and the position is non-stipend.

*Note:  Each student will want to consult with their corresponding internship advisor at their college/university to determine the number of credits appropriate for their individual academic requirements/needs. 

Internships are to be arranged by the student.  Further information and applications may be obtained by calling CCHS at 717-249-7610 or visiting our website at www.historicalsociety.com.

Brief Description of Programs CCHS Has to Offer

The CCHS, founded in 1874, maintains a library, museum and lecture hall on North Pitt Street and the Two Mile House in South Middleton Township.

Museum--The museum galleries provide visitors with a glimpse of early life and crafts.  Visitors see furniture, silver, tools, redware, pottery, ironware, painted plank-bottom chairs, tall-case clocks, samplers, coverlets, and paintings produced by local artisans.  Particularly noteworthy are the Schimmel and Mountz woodcarvings and the materials from the Carlisle Indian School.

Library--The library contains books, pamphlets, city directories, maps, tax lists, county records, newspapers, census records, genealogical materials, and manuscripts relating to all aspects of county history.  Approximately 45,000 photographs add an important visual element to the collection.  The Society provides computers for patron use.

Programs--Programs at CCHS include: gallery talks, evening lectures, education forums, out-reach lectures and slide shows, teacher’s in-service, volunteer workshops and walking tours.

Publications--Publishing has been a hallmark of the Society since its founding 126 years ago.  We offer our membership two award-winning history journals plus four newsletters per year.  The Society also publishes a hard cover book each year about local history.

Educational Program--An educational program with the county’s school districts has provided local history lessons to over 12,000 students each year.  We continue to offer extensive outreach programs to local retirement homes, civic organizations and schools.  These activities are in addition to approximately sixty other programs offered to the public.

Photography Department--The Todd Photo Archives houses approximately 200,000 images of Cumberland County people, places, and events from around 1850 to the present.  Photos of national importance relate to the Carlisle Indian Industrial School and Jim Thorpe.  The Archives provides images for Society activities as well as to researchers from throughout the country.
 

Health and Accidents:
Interns who are not feeling well should not come in for their assignment but should call CCHS and make their advisor aware.  If an intern sustains injury while on site, report it immediately to a staff member.

Appearance:
Intern attire should conform to the standards required of all staff: professional and comfortable.  Some assignments, such as organizing a storage area, allow for more leisurely wear. Other assignments may require more stringent guidelines, such as minimal jewelry when working with collections

Ethics:
All interns are expected to adhere to the professional code of ethics applicable to the assignments.

Confidentiality:
From time to time, interns have access to or may overhear information about CCHS, donors, members or visitors that deserve respect as to the right of privacy.  Only when required in fulfillment of an assignment should any such information be discussed and that discussion should be done in a discrete manner and in a location where it cannot be overheard.  Interns are to refrain from seeking information that is not needed in order to fulfill their assignments.

Conduct:
All interns are expected to be polite and courteous, exhibiting a friendly and professional manner in all communications.
 

Benefits to a CCHS Internship

• Satisfaction of contributing to the preservation and sharing of Cumberland County history and heritage.

• Gaining a unique, hands-on, professional working experience that the classroom cannot provide.

• Developing an understanding of how non-profit organizations operate.

• Improving necessary skills such as research, archival skills, curatorial experience, etc.

Name:  _______________________________________   
               
Email:  _______________________

Phone (the best number to reach you):  __________________________

Permanent Address: ____________________________________________________

College/University:  _____________________________________________________

School Address: _______________________________________________________

Send correspondence to: (check one)
     Permanent Address  _____   School Address  _____

Major(s):  ____________________________________ 

Minor(s):  ____________________________

GPA:  _______          Desired Number of Credits:  _________      

Number of Total Hours:  _________

The internship will be taken for:  (check one)
                                                                 Credit  ________     Non-Credit ________

Proposed Internship Dates:  Starting:  ______________________    
  
Ending ______________________

Internship Advisor/Phone Number:  __________________________________________

Days Interested in Working at CCHS:     M      T      W      Th      F

Desired Hours at CCHS:  ____________________________

How Did You Learn About CCHS?  ______________________________________

Additional Information: 

Emergency Contact/Phone:  _________________________________________

Medical Information: ____________________________________________________

Physical Limitations:  ____________________________________________________

Please include your resume, an official copy of your academic transcript, and one letter of recommendation or endorsement.

On a separate sheet of paper, briefly describe any education or work experiences incurred that may relate to your 
area(s) of interest at CCHS.  Additionally, what do you hope to achieve from interning at CCHS?

NOTE:  An interview is required and will include a discussion of possible projects and guidance to areas of interest.
 

Use the printer icon below to print this application form and send completed application and related materials to:

Executive Director
CCHS Internship Program
21 N Pitt St
Carlisle, PA 17013

Signature:  ____________________________________              Date:  ________________
 
 

For office use only:

Application and 
Related Materials Received: (Date)____________
Interview Conducted:  _____________
        Orientation:  _____________