Oral History Program Intern

Oral History Intern at the Northwest Railway Museum

Internship Summary: 

The Northwest Railway Museum is seeking an individual to help develop and create the Museum’s first oral history program. This individual will be required to develop and create forms and policies for the program and organize, conduct, and complete at least one oral history. This is a paid internship funded through a Diversity in Local History grant provided by the Washington State Historical Society and the Washington State Legislature.  

Mission and Values of the Northwest Railway Museum

The mission of the Northwest Railway Museum is to operate a nationally significant museum and heritage railway where the public experiences captivating exhibits and educational programs that confront the impactful and challenging history of railways in shaping the Pacific Northwest, actively engaging the community and inspiring future generations to preserve this transformative heritage. 

The Northwest Railway Museum is committed to creating a welcoming and accessible culture where the contributions of all community members are valued.

The Museum utilizes expert assessment and community feedback to ensure programs, exhibits, and experiences at the Museum are crafted and operated in a manner that identifies and eliminates barriers to participation.

The Northwest Railway Museum strives to maintain an exceptional heritage railway and museum that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or age.

Start Date: January 13, 2026

End Date: May 25, 2026

Intern Responsibilities:

• Intern will be given an overview of oral histories. 
• Intern will review and demonstrate an understanding of the materials, and will create forms to begin collecting oral histories: including oral history collecting strategies documents, a training resource matrix, and an oral history training program (slideshow or other medium) for future volunteers and collections staff to use. 
• Intern will research and compile a list of potential oral history candidates, including organizations and individuals. This will include basic contact information and the topics and areas of railroading history each subject represents. 
• Intern will be tasked with organizing an Oral History Community History Day: advertising, creating, and tabling a drop-in information booth at the Snoqualmie Depot. This will allow the community to drop by and hear about the Oral History Project, ask questions, and leave their contact information if interested in a future interview session. 
• Intern will collect, transcribe, and catalog at least one oral history. Intern will be in charge of reaching out, setting up the interview, bringing all the correct forms, filling out research forms, conducting the interview, transcribing, and archiving. This will be used as an example for NRM oral history collecting in the future. 

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other technology (camera, voice recording equipment) 
• Ability to self-start and work independently remotely and on-site
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal and writing skills
• Ability to work within deadlines
• Interest in history and collecting perspectives to be shared with future generations
• Must currently reside in Washington State
• Eighteen years of age or older

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior oral history experience and/or coursework on the subject is ideal
• Proficiency with voice recording, camera equipment, and editing software

Compensation:

Hours: 320 total

Pay: $21.00/hour; up to $6720.00 over the course of the internship; 5­­‑15 hours a week