Texas Historical Commission

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THC Diversity Internship in Historic Preservation

The Texas Historical Commission (THC) seeks to increase the diversity of professionals working in historic preservation, acknowledge the variety of cultures that enrich Texas’ heritage, and engage a wider range of organizations and communities in supporting efforts to protect and preserve the history of our state.

Diversity Intern Norris White

The Diversity Internship was created to build interest in and awareness of historic preservation, specifically among students from underrepresented ethnic groups. This initiative targets undergraduate students to encourage their interest in pursuing fields of study in history, preservation, architecture, landscape architecture, archeology, downtown revitalization and heritage tourism. Students will also learn about the impact that historic preservation programs can have on a community’s economic development.

Program Goals

Increase the representation of all cultural and ethnic groups in historic preservation careers
Increase the number of historic and cultural resources associated with the state’s diverse cultural history that are identified, documented, preserved and interpreted
Increase the number of diverse organizations and communities involved in the historic preservation field and served by public and private preservation programs.

Diversity Intern Katherine Koebbe

Diversity Interns will complete a rotation amongst all divisions headquartered in Austin and then complete a special project in a division of their choice. Diversity Interns will receive a $5,000 stipend provided by the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission, for an eight week internship (40-hour week).

Interns will work under the supervision of the THC, at its headquarters in Austin and/or “in the field” with its historic sites, an associated preservation organization such as a Main Street program, a heritage tourism program, a history museum or a historical association. Brief progress reports will be required, both during the employment period and at the conclusion of the student’s internship.

First Lady's Tour,
Main Street City Rockwall

Working with THC staff and programs will expose the Interns to the various and exciting vocational opportunities in the field of historic preservation, with the goal of encouraging more students from underrepresented ethnic groups to pursue
careers in this field upon graduation. In return, the THC and its partner organizations will have the opportunity to meet promising young people who might choose to work in this field.

Eligibility

U.S. citizens of African, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, or Native American/Hawaiian/Alaskan heritage
College junior level or above
Attending a college or university in Texas, or a Texas resident attending school out-of-state
Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 system (or comparable GPA)
Prior recipients are ineligible
Due to special funding, we especially encourage applications from:
- Students of landscape architecture;

Students from the following counties in East Texas: Angelina, Jasper, Nacogdoches, Newton, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Cherokee, Trinity, or Tyler; and
Students attending Stephen F. Austin State University or Angelina College.

Deadline: Applications must be postmarked by February 15, 2012. THE APPLICATION PERIOD IS NOW CLOSED.

The 2012 Diversity Internship Application and Instructions (Word) SAMPLE ONLY

The Diversity Internship Request for Letter of Reference (pdf) SAMPLE ONLY

Comments from past internship recipients:

I am proof that the program works and is effective. I encourage anyone who has an interest in preservation to actively compete for an opportunity such as this. I really, really had a great experience. –Norris White, Jr., 2010

Norris White, Jr. is a graduate of the University of Texas at Tyler, with a bachelor's degree in History and a minor in anthropology. He is a U.S. Army veteran and a published poet. Norris is married and has two sons. He worked at Caddo Mounds State Historic Site during the summer of 2010, where he conducted research into the history of the Caddo people and developed literature for the youth programs at the site.

This is wonderful opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds to pursue their research and career interests and make valuable contacts within the historic preservation community. –Katherine Koebbe, 2010

Katherine Koebbe, a member of the Mohegan Tribe, is pursuing her master's degree in History, specializing in Public History at Texas State University in San Marcos. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor's degree in Anthropology and a bachelor's degree in History and English. She currently serves as the President of the Native American Student Association at Texas State. She worked with the Archeology Department in the summer of 2010 where she helped develop the Native American consultation guidelines.

I have been given the opportunity to research topics that will affect not only historic preservation in Texas, but preservation efforts across the nation. All of the information I have been able to acquire will prove to be essential during the development of my professional career.” –Tahinee Félix Marín, 2009

Tahinee Félix Marín is a graduate student in Historic Preservation at the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Architecture. She received her undergraduate degree in art history and English from the Universidad de Puerto Rico. Her main research focus is Spanish Colonial Architecture. She worked with the Architecture Division during the summer of 2009.