Internships in Anthropology
We strongly encourage our anthropology students to gain first-hand experience with the world’s cultural and ethnic diversity and heritage as much as possible. All while gaining academic credit, you will establish networking opportunities, strengthen your job skills, gain experience and make a meaningful contribution to your community.
Do It!
Find a learning experience that matches your interests. Our faculty, as advisors, assist students in exploring and pursuing internship opportunities, whether it be primate field study abroad, an ethnographic field school in the southwest or a semester at a university in a country such as England or Chile.
Although internships and other field experiences are not mandatory, we place a high value on their significance and benefit as a learning experience. We help you organize these experiences to meet your needs and interests.
Our students have recently interned in communities in Alaska, a summer camp in New York State, historical museums, and local schools, and have participated in archaeological field schools. In addition, students often take advantage of the more than 300 available study abroad programs, especially those in Latin America and Europe.
Local Internship Opportunities
Internship work at local and regional museums and businesses is occasionally available for anthropology students and typically involves the student receiving 3-6 credits of independent study. Interns may help with curation, archival work, computer data entry, docent activities, etc., as required by the site. In the past, students have carried out internships at the Clinton County Historical Museum (Plattsburgh), the Kent-Delord House Museum (Plattsburgh), the Adirondack Museum (Blue Mountain Lake) and the New York State Museum in Albany.
The following are ethnographically/social science-grounded internships sponsored by the Department of Anthropology. By ethnographically-grounded, we mean focused on the human dimensions of the experience, in which interns will engage in thinking ethically and anthropologically. In order to ensure an anthropologically/social sciences-grounded internship, interns are encouraged to enroll, concurrently (for fall internships), in the Internship Seminar in which the anthropological/social science aspects of the internships will be clarified through group discussion.
Internship Opportunities 2024–2025
- The Alice T. Miner Museum — Multiple Opportunities
The Alice T. Miner Museum
9618 US-9
Chazy, N.Y. 12921The Museum, founded by Alice T. Miner, opened to the public in 1924 in its current location in the “Old Stone Store” in Chazy, NY. The Museum houses Mrs. Miner’s extensive collection of early American [18th & early 19th Century] furniture, decorative arts, including ceramics and textiles, as well as a large collection of donated archaeological artifacts. [Information from Museum webpage https://www.minermuseum.org/about-alice/chazy]
- Fall 2024 — Application open now until Aug. 15, 2024
- Final due date for internship proposals: Aug. 30, 2024 at 2 p.m.
- Minimum 3hr/week on site
- Scheduling is flexible
- Funding available to support travel cost reimbursement
Archival, historical, educational, culturally-based projects available:
Archaeological Artifact Identification & Analysis
Interns will work with a collection of artifacts donated to the museum to identify what is archaeologically/culturally significant or meaningful. Interns may then expand upon their work with the artifacts to develop artifact displays and accompanying educational materials [suitable for display] regarding the importance of context and ethics in early 20th Century archaeological discovery and current analysis, and in museum curation.
Cultural/Historical Research: Gender and Women’s Worlds during Alice T Miner’s Time
Interns may work on a gender-focused project investigating the lives of women in the North Country in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. Interns will delve into various archival and ethnographic sources to contribute to a broader cultural picture of the breadth and depth of women’s lives. Research may entail investigating the social-cultural, economic, political and physical lives of women who lived during Mrs. Miner’s time and even entered into Mrs. Miner’s environment.
Multiple Local History Archival/Documentation of Museum Donations & Collections
Opportunities for students who are particularly interested in Museum Studies to gain hands-on experience and learn how museums document & maintain collections.
Minimum Requirements:
- Minimum sophomore standing or POI
- An interest in the social sciences (e.g. anthropology, sociology, psychology, GWS, political science, etc.), historical research, tourism, archaeology, education, museum studies, gender and community outreach
- Initiative and the ability to collaborate with diverse groups of people
- Enthusiasm and willingness to learn about museums, local history, human dynamics and culture.
These internships are sponsored by the Department of Anthropology but are open to all students who meet the above criteria. The internships are focused on the human dimensions of the experience, in other words, it is ethnographically grounded. Interns are encouraged to enroll, concurrently, in the Internship Seminar (ANT487A, 3 cr., Fri noon – 2:45 p.m. 110 Redcay) in which the anthropological/social science aspects of the internships will be clarified through group discussion.
Required Application Materials
- A brief statement of your particular interests and how the internship you are applying to in relates to them
- A resumé (if available)
- A list of any relevant courses
- A copy of your DegreeWorks
The exact content and description of the internship — and the specific duties of each intern — will be developed in close consultation with the intern, the site supervisor, the faculty supervisor, and stipulated in the required internship contract.
All interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Deborah Altamirano, Department of Anthropology, [email protected]
- Beehive Beauty Salon — Entrepreneurship, Culture & Styling in the North Country
Beehive Beauty Salon
Plattsburgh, N.Y.- Fall 2024 — Application open now until Aug. 15, 2024
- Final due date for internship proposals: Aug. 30, 2024 at 2 p.m.
- Minimum 3hr/week on site
- Scheduling is flexible
Small Business in Rural Communities
Dive into the world of independent beauty salons in the North Country. Acquire first-hand accounts of salon ownership, learn how entrepreneurs got their businesses going and now keep them going. Intern will engage in participant-observation and interviewing of small business owners. Also, may include meeting students of local beauty and aesthetician programs who aspire to open their own independent beauty salons. Students may also employ their interest in photography to document their research.
Minimum Requirements
- Minimum sophomore standing or POI.
- An interest in the social sciences (e.g. anthropology, sociology, political science, etc.), historical research, entrepreneurship, gender, culture and community, education, community outreach, and rural economies.
- Initiative and the ability to collaborate with diverse groups of people.
- Enthusiasm and willingness to learn about small business, entrepreneurship, economics, the beauty industry, human dynamics and culture!
These internships are sponsored by the Department of Anthropology but are open to all students who meet the above criteria. The internships are focused on the human dimensions of the experience, in other words, it is ethnographically grounded. Interns are encouraged to enroll, concurrently, in the Internship Seminar (ANT487A, 3 cr., Fri 12:00 – 2:45 p.m. 110 Redcay) in which the anthropological/social science aspects of the internships will be clarified through group discussion.
Required Application Materials
- A brief statement of your particular interests and how the internship you are applying to in relates to them
- A resumé (if available)
- A list of any relevant courses
- A copy of your DegreeWorks
The exact content and description of the internship--and the specific duties of each intern--will be made in close consultation with the intern, the site supervisor and the faculty supervisor, and stipulated in the required internship contract.
All interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Deborah Altamirano, Department of Anthropology, [email protected]
- City of Plattsburgh Climate Task Force — Multiple Opportunities
“The newly re-established City of Plattsburgh Climate Task Force will work to help the City of Plattsburgh achieve New York State Climate Smart Community (CSC) and Clean Energy Community (CEC) goals. These state programs assist municipalities’ efforts to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. The City Climate Task Force is continuing efforts first made in 2019 to reduce carbon emissions in city operations and to adopt environmentally sustainable practices.” City of Plattsburgh website
- Fall 2024 — Application open now until Aug. 15, 2024
- Final due date for internship proposals: Aug. 30, 2024 at 2 p.m.
- Minimum 3hr/week on site
- Scheduling is flexible
Climate Change Education and Outreach
Intern will develop an outreach/informational presentation for Plattsburgh High School students. The intern on this project will be able to benefit from and build upon a presentation started by an intern last fall.
Community Outreach via Media/ Social Media
The Task Force is interested in bringing interns on board to help with their public education and engagement projects. Interns will work with a team member to develop outreach products or materials which might include webinars, brochures, slideshows, social media posts, etc. We might also be interested in opening a TikTok account.
Team Work on Projects focused on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
Interns will collaborate with and assist two teams that are developing projects in these areas of climate change adaptation and mitigation:
- Urban forestry, organics management, water-smart landscaping (planting native species).
- Energy conservation and efficiency (EV's, heat pumps, etc.)
Minimum Requirements:
- Minimum sophomore standing or POI
- An interest in the social sciences (e.g. anthropology, psychology, GWS, political science, etc.), historical research, climate change and education, social media, community outreach, environmental science, conservation, forestry, energy management, water resources.
- Initiative and the ability to collaborate with diverse groups of people
- Enthusiasm and willingness to learn about climate change, adaptation and mitigation, community outreach and education, human dynamics and culture.
These internships are sponsored by the Department of Anthropology but are open to all students who meet the above criteria. The internships are focused on the human dimensions of the experience, in other words, it is ethnographically grounded. Interns are encouraged to enroll, concurrently, in the Internship Seminar (ANT487A, 3 cr., Fri noon – 2:45 p.m. 110 Redcay) in which the anthropological/social science aspects of the internships will be clarified through group discussion.
Required Application Materials
- A brief statement of your particular interests and how the internship you are applying to in relates to them
- A resumé (if available)
- A list of any relevant courses
- A copy of your DegreeWorks
The exact content and description of the internship — and the specific duties of each intern — will be developed in close consultation with the intern, the site supervisor, the faculty supervisor, and stipulated in the required internship contract.
All interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Deborah Altamirano, Department of Anthropology, [email protected]
- Clinton County Historical Museum — Multiple Opportunities
Clinton County Historical Museum
98 Ohio Ave.
Plattsburgh, NY 12901- Fall 2024 — Application open now until Aug. 15, 2024
- Final due date for internship proposals: Aug. 30, 2024 at 2 p.m.
- Minimum 3hr/week on site
- Scheduling is flexible
- Funding available to support travel cost reimbursement
Archival, historical, educational, culturally-based projects available:
Archaeological Artifact Identification & Analysis
Interns will work with a large collection of artifacts/potential artifacts donated to the museum, largely by amateur archaeologists and lay-collectors, to identify what is archaeologically/culturally significant or meaningful (human created/used) and what is not. This internship may also entail interns working with local tribal representatives and museum/archaeology professionals and developing educational materials regarding ethics and archaeology. Interns may be involved is developing a display of the artifacts for the museum.Cultural/Historical Research: ‘Ghost Towns’ of Clinton County
Interns will revive the ‘ghost towns’ of Clinton County project-investigating towns in Clinton County that were once vibrant and exist on old maps that, now, have totally disappeared. This would be an opportunity for the intern to identify a forgotten town (or two) which should have an historical marker. Intern will work with local historian and museum staff to prepare documentation to support a marker or, at least, contribute important data on the ‘ghost towns’ to the museum that they currently lack.Research on Local North Country Cultures/Communities
Interns will conduct archival and ethnographic research on the Quaker culture in the North Country. Interns will conduct research on the French-Canadian community in the North Country, with a particular focus on the history of the French language in the North Country.Archaeology Day Planner/Community Outreach
Intern will work with museum staff and SUNY archaeologists/students to design, develop and promote a fun and rich program for the public for the next scheduled (TBD) Archaeology Day/’Ask an Archaeologist’ Day at the museum. Involves collaboration with multiple stake-holders, event-planning, youth and adult education, community outreach and appreciation/knowledge of archaeology.Multiple Local History Archival/Documentation of Museum Donations & Collections — Opportunities for students who are particularly interested in museum studies to gain hands-on experience and learn how museums document and maintain collections.
Interns will work with the Jim Millard Collection to document and curate photos and documents from his research on Crab Island, Valcour Island, and Fort Montgomery.
Interns will assist museum staff to document maps from the Duffina donation. Interns will collaborate on this project with volunteers, Dick Soper and Brent Favro.
Archival and Historical Project
Work with museum staff to digitize archival collections. Research historical details of local collections as requested by museum staff. Learn about the museum collections and ongoing research projects; assist where needed. Catalog and scan archival materials in PastPerfect for booklets and programs.Minimum Requirements:
- Minimum sophomore standing or POI
- An interest in the social sciences (e.g. anthropology, sociology, political science, etc.), historical research, tourism, education, community outreach, video production and design.
- Initiative and the ability to collaborate with diverse groups of people
- Interest in how the internship/research contributes to the local area
These internships are sponsored by the Department of Anthropology but are open to all students who meet the above criteria. The internships are focused on the human dimensions of the experience, in other words, it is ethnographically grounded. Interns are encouraged to enroll, concurrently, in the Internship Seminar (ANT487A, 3 cr., Fri noon – 2:45 p.m. 110 Redcay) in which the anthropological/social science aspects of the internships will be clarified through group discussion.
Required Application Materials
- A brief statement of your particular interests and how the internship you are applying to in relates to them
- A resumé (if available)
- A list of any relevant courses
- A copy of your DegreeWorks
The exact content and description of the internship — and the specific duties of each intern — will be developed in close consultation with the intern, the site supervisor, the faculty supervisor, and stipulated in the required internship contract.
All interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Deborah Altamirano, Department of Anthropology, [email protected]
- Exploring Ancient Mesoamerican Landscapes — Multiple Opportunities
Department of Anthropology, Department of Anthropology/Archaeology Labs
SUNY PlattsburghArchaeological/archival research working directly with SUNY Plattsburgh archaeologist
- Fall 2024 — Applications open now until Aug. 15, 2024
- Final due date for internship proposals: Aug. 30, 2024 at 2 p.m.
- Minimum 3 hours/week on site
- Scheduling is flexible
Archaeological and Ethno-archaeological Research
Interns will be assisting SUNY Plattsburgh archaeology professor in original research on the extent to which the lives of ancient Pre-Columbians were dominated by travel, trade and exchange. Understanding those ancient landscapes and networks requires collection and analysis of certain data. Historically, this process has been done at the regional level. Interns will research ancient environments, trade corridors, pathways, socio-political boundaries, artistic and iconographic styles, all of which must be reconstructed and integrated to get a clearer picture of the landscapes of the Mesoamerican world. Faculty/site supervisor: Dr. Justin Lowry, Department of Anthropology.Minimum Requirements:
- Minimum sophomore standing or POI
- An interest in the social sciences (e.g. anthropology, sociology, political science, etc.), historical research, tourism, education, community outreach, video production and design.
- Initiative and the ability to collaborate with diverse groups of people
- Interest in how the internship/research contributes to the local area
These internships are sponsored by the Department of Anthropology but are open to all students who meet the above criteria. The internships are focused on the human dimensions of the experience, in other words, it is ethnographically grounded. Interns are encouraged to enroll, concurrently, in the Internship Seminar (ANT487A, 3 cr., Fri noon – 2:45 p.m. 110 Redcay) in which the anthropological/social science aspects of the internships will be clarified through group discussion.
Required Application Materials
- A brief statement of your particular interests and how the internship you are applying to in relates to them
- A resumé (if available)
- A list of any relevant courses
- A copy of your DegreeWorks
The exact content and description of the internship — and the specific duties of each intern — will be developed in close consultation with the intern, the site supervisor, the faculty supervisor, and stipulated in the required internship contract.
All interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Deborah Altamirano, Department of Anthropology, [email protected]
- Heart Well Homestead — Serving Motherhood in the North Country
Heart Well Homestead
Heart Well Homestead is a 501c3 non-profit organization, based in Plattsburgh, serving Clinton, Essex and Franklin Counties that is opening a home to assist pregnant and parenting mothers to provide them a safe, supportive, transitional residential program. With support from their community partners, Heart Well Homestead will offer those in the program workshops in parenting, career coaching, financial literacy, breastfeeding and nutrition. Their vision is “to see healthy mothers and their children prepared to move into a stable environment with the support of family, friends and community. [From Heart Well Homestead printed literature]
- Fall 2024 — Applications open now until Aug. 15, 2024
- Final due date for internship proposals: Aug. 30, 2024 at 2 p.m.
- Minimum 3 hours/week on site
- Scheduling is flexible
Multiple Opportunities Available
Ethnography, Education and Outreach-Needs Assessment
Intern will engage ethnographic/social science research skills in order to learn about community needs and develop an outreach/informational program to reach those women who might be eligible for Heart Well Homestead resources. Intern may focus on ways to connect with those in hard to reach demographics, such as young women between the ages of 17-24, and those who live in less accessible regions in the North Country.Donor Community and Network Map
Intern will work to identify current and potential donors in the Tri-County area to understand who donors are, where they are located and what motivates them to contribute to philanthropic programs in the North Country. Intern will create a ‘network map’ to provide community partner a visual representation of donor trends in the area. Intern may engage in ethnographic/social science research to participate in community events in which donors attend and interview donors on their decision-making process.Minimum Requirements:
- Minimum sophomore standing or POI
- An interest in the social sciences (e.g. anthropology, sociology, political science, etc.), nursing, social work, fields in health and human services, mapping, ethnography, gender, fund-raising, pregnancy and motherhood education and outreach, business, grant-writing, etc.
- Initiative and the ability to collaborate with diverse groups of people
- Enthusiasm and willingness to learn about needs of women and particularly the social, economic, physical, mental and cultural needs of mothers and soon-to-be mothers in the North Country, community outreach and education, human dynamics and culture.
These internships are sponsored by the Department of Anthropology but are open to all students who meet the above criteria. The internships are focused on the human dimensions of the experience, in other words, it is ethnographically grounded. Interns are encouraged to enroll, concurrently, in the Internship Seminar (ANT487A, 3 cr., Fri noon – 2:45 p.m. 110 Redcay) in which the anthropological/social science aspects of the internships will be clarified through group discussion.
Required Application Materials
- A brief statement of your particular interests and how the internship you are applying to in relates to them
- A resumé (if available)
- A list of any relevant courses
- A copy of your DegreeWorks
The exact content and description of the internship — and the specific duties of each intern — will be developed in close consultation with the intern, the site supervisor, the faculty supervisor, and stipulated in the required internship contract.
All interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Deborah Altamirano, Department of Anthropology, [email protected]
- North Star Underground Railroad Museum — Multiple Opportunities
North Star Underground Railroad Museum
1131 Mace Chasm Rd.
Ausable Chasm, N.Y. 12911“The Museum reveals the hidden history of the Champlain Line of the Underground Railroad… Poignant exhibits portray compelling stories of fugitives from slavery who passed through Northeastern New York and the Champlain Valley on their way to Québec and Ontario, Canada.”
- Fall 2024 — Applications open now until Aug. 15, 2024
- Final due date for internship proposals: Aug. 30, 2024 at 2 p.m.
- Minimum 3 hours/week on site
- Scheduling is flexible
- Funding available for travel cost reimbursement
Media and Community Outreach
Use your communication and social media skills to develop an outreach campaign for this important local museum and tourist destination that highlights our area as a path on the Underground Railroad, the term used to describe the network that helped enslaved people escape to freedom in Canada. The North Star Underground Railroad Museum is an incredible resource for anyone, worldwide, who is interested in the history of abolition. Interns design and enhance media/social media content about the museum and expand interest and access worldwide.Traveling Trunk Shows
Develop educational materials for K-12 students about the Underground Railroad in the North Country. Design innovative and interactive shows that inform, engage and excite students about this underrepresented aspect of local history. Interns may also deliver these materials in schools.Archival and Historical Project
Work with staff to digitize the archival collection. Research historical details of local anti-slavery activists as requested by museum staff. Learn about the museum collections and ongoing research projects; assist where needed. Catalog archival materials in PastPerfect (user guide available).Design an Exhibit for Isaac Johnson’s Story
Research and create a digital exhibit that tells the story of Isaac Johnson, an escaped slave from Kentucky. The story should include his contributions to this area, as Johnson built a church, town hall and bridges in the North Country.Minimum Requirements:
- Minimum sophomore standing or POI.
- An interest in the social sciences (e.g. anthropology, sociology, political science, etc.), historical research, tourism, education, community outreach, video production and design.
- Initiative and the ability to collaborate with diverse groups of people.
- Enthusiasm and willingness to learn about museums, local history, human dynamics and culture.
These internships are sponsored by the Department of Anthropology but are open to all students who meet the above criteria. The internships are focused on the human dimensions of the experience, in other words, it is ethnographically grounded. Interns are encouraged to enroll, concurrently, in the Internship Seminar (ANT487A, 3 cr., Fri noon – 2:45 p.m. 110 Redcay) in which the anthropological/social science aspects of the internships will be clarified through group discussion.
Required Application Materials
- A brief statement of your particular interests and how the internship you are applying to in relates to them
- A resumé (if available)
- A list of any relevant courses
- A copy of your DegreeWorks
The exact content and description of the internship — and the specific duties of each intern — will be developed in close consultation with the intern, the site supervisor, the faculty supervisor, and stipulated in the required internship contract.
All interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Deborah Altamirano, Department of Anthropology, [email protected]
- WH Miner Agricultural Institute — Multiple Opportunities
The William H. Miner Agricultural Institute
1034 Miner Farm Rd.
Chazy, N.Y.- Fall 2024 — Applications open now through Aug. 15, 2024
- Final due date for internship proposals: Aug. 30, 2024 at 2 p.m.
- Minimum 3 hours/week (1 credit)
- Scheduling is flexible
- Funding available for transportation cost reimbursement
Archaeological and GIS Mapping
Work on mapping of the Miner Farm properties using archaeological methods and/or GIS technology. Identification/ preliminary excavation of archaeologically significant sites. May also include archival “digging” or research of the many projects of William H. Miner. Site supervisors: Amy Bedard, librarian; Stephen Kramer, director of lab sciences.Social and Community Research
Conduct interviews and collect oral histories of former Miner Farm employees. Research the role of immigrants at the Miner. Research the contributions of William H. Miner and the Institute to the overall development of the North Country. Site supervisor: Rachel Dutil, public relations and marketing coordinator.Marketing/Media/Networking
Enhance information access to and about the Miner Institute. Design media/social media campaigns to expand outreach to a wide range of audiences about Miner Farm and its important history. Design demographic-specific (multigenerational) media. Use multiple forms of media to expand networking and outreach to other local, national, and international heritage sites and audiences, assist in organizing institute events. Site supervisor: Rachel Dutil, public relations and marketing coordinator.Ethnographical and Historical/Archival Research
Interns with computer/photographic skills and creativity may assist in developing a database that includes a way of linking photographic materials to their written descriptions. Right now, they have an Excel file with written data but no way to link to the photographic data. They need to develop a way to present and preserve their extensive photo archive. Site supervisor: Amy Bedard, librarian.Equine Program
Interns will conduct social science research, including participant- observation, to learn about the Miner Institute/Hearts Delight Equine Program and the experiences of the animal science/equine management students participating in the Institutes Equine Program. Interns may learn about the contributions of the Miner Farm’s horse program to the socio-cultural, economic and environmental development of the North Country and the broader Champlain Valley or research aspects of horse welfare and ‘equine-ethics’ within the local and broader equine industry. Experience with horses is preferred but not required. Site supervisors: Karen Lassell, equine manager and Amy Bedard, librarian.Minimum Requirements:
- Minimum sophomore standing or POI.
- An interest in the social sciences (e.g. anthropology, sociology, political science, etc.), historical research, entrepreneurship, gender, culture and community, education, community research, and rural economies.
- Initiative and the ability to collaborate with diverse groups of people.
- Interest in how the William H Miner Institute has contributed to the local area.
These internships are sponsored by the Department of Anthropology but are open to all students who meet the above criteria. The internships are focused on the human dimensions of the experience, in other words, it is ethnographically grounded. Interns are encouraged to enroll, concurrently, in the Internship Seminar (ANT487A, 3 cr., Fri noon – 2:45 p.m. 110 Redcay) in which the anthropological/social science aspects of the internships will be clarified through group discussion.
Required Application Materials
- A brief statement of your particular interests and how the internship you are applying to in relates to them
- A resumé (if available)
- A list of any relevant courses
- A copy of your DegreeWorks
The exact content and description of the internship — and the specific duties of each intern — will be developed in close consultation with the intern, the site supervisor, the faculty supervisor, and stipulated in the required internship contract.
All interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Deborah Altamirano, internship coordinator, Department of Anthropology, [email protected]