Chicago Metro History Day Internship

Chicago Metro History Day Internship (October 2026-March 2027)

Program Description

Chicago Metro History Day (CMHD) is an educational program for students in grades 6-12. Sponsored by the Chicago History Museum, CMHD asks students to research topics of their choice and develop a historical argument. Working individually or collaboratively, students develop exhibits, documentaries, papers, performances, and websites that are shared with the public in a series of local, state, and national competitions. CMHD is part of a larger national network called National History Day (NHD). CMHD works with schools to promote historical inquiry and support students’ research endeavors. Thousands of students from 75 schools in Cook, DuPage, and Lake Counties participate each year.

Internship Opportunity

CMHD invites applicants for an internship in history education. The internship structure has some flexibility based on the student’s area(s) of interest, but this experience is most appropriate for students interested in public history, education, and/or research. Because most historical institutions across the country have some level of involvement with History Day, an internship with this program is an excellent first step toward a career in museum education, archives, public programs, or the History Day program itself.

Interns must be available on Saturday, February 27, 2027, for CMHD’s Senior Division History Day contest and on Saturday, March 6, 2027, for CMHD’s Junior Division History Day contest. Participation in other events is strongly encouraged. Internship responsibilities will be heaviest during the preparation and wrap-up period for the regional contests (mid-February through mid-March). Interns will be expected to work more than ten hours during the contest weeks (offset by fewer hours during non-peak periods). 

Sample activities may include:

• Learning event management skills in a public history setting
• Coaching students to improve their historical research and arguments
• Preparing learning materials to support historical inquiry
• Curating suggested topics and recommended resources for the upcoming annual theme
• Supporting communications and public outreach (e.g., social media presence, preparing materials for website)
• Supporting upcoming teacher professional development programming

Internship Expectations

CMHD expects to hire two paid interns at $17.05 per hour (up to a maximum of 140 hours). [CMHD has the capacity to host 1-2 additional interns if they are able to find financial support through other means.]

This internship is a hybrid work environment, with some on-site and some remote hours. Vaccination and background check required.
 

Dates of Internship: This internship is expected to begin in October 2026 and last until March 2027. Weekly hours will vary depending on programmatic needs.

Application Process

Please upload a PDF resume and a short cover letter explaining your internship interests within CHM’s application management system by September 30. Candidates will be interviewed via Zoom on a rolling basis in late September. Selected interns will be subject to a background check. 

Qualifications: 

This internship is designed for history or education majors, or candidates in closely related fields.