CULTURAL INTERNAt — SAN DIEGUITO HERITAGE MUSEUM
Nicholas Smith, a member of the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians and an educator specializing in Kumeyaay language and culture, will be working closely with the museum’s staff and volunteers. • Improving Existing Exhibits: Mr. Smith will play an active role in updating and expanding the museum’s current exhibits, especially those related to Kumeyaay history. • Updating the Audio Tour: He will write and record new audio segments focused on the Kumeyaay people, gaining skills in audio and voice recording and editing throughout the process. • School Tours: Mr. Smith will work to enhance school tours by placing a greater emphasis on Kumeyaay history, ensuring that students receive accurate and engaging information. • Staff and Volunteer Workshop: He will conduct a workshop designed to deepen the museum staff and volunteers’ understanding of Kumeyaay traditions and language, helping them share more accurate and respectful information with visitors.
During his internship, Mr. Smith will focus on expanding exhibits related to Kumeyaay history. This work will include conducting historical research, collaborating with tribal institutions, and preparing written summaries for museum use. His efforts will improve the accuracy and completeness of the current exhibits, ensuring a fuller representation of the Kumeyaay people’s story. By the conclusion of his internship, Mr. Smith will have developed skills in original research and gained hands-on experience in mounting museum exhibits. In addition to exhibit work, Mr. Smith will create and record audio tour segments about the Kumeyaay people, benefiting from specialized training in audio recording and editing. His strong communication skills and deep tribal knowledge will be a valuable asset to the museum, enabling him to effectively convey information to the general public. Mr. Smith will facilitate a workshop for museum staff and volunteers, designed to deepen their understanding of Kumeyaay traditions and language. The workshop aims to ensure that all educational initiatives at the museum are rooted in authentic tribal perspectives. By participating, staff and volunteers will be better prepared to share accurate, respectful information with visitors, fostering an environment of cultural sensitivity and informed interpretation throughout the museum’s programs.
Mr. Smith’s training at the museum will be guided by experienced professionals to support the development of high-quality exhibits and audio content. Under the supervision of Sinéad Ní Ghabhláin, Ph.D., a museum docent and board member, Mr. Smith will conduct original research and contribute to new exhibit materials. This collaboration will help him refine his research skills and ensure that all content meets the museum’s standards for accuracy and educational value. In addition, Mr. Smith will receive specialized instruction in audio recording and voice-over techniques from Kerry Witkin, President of the SDHM Board. This training will equip him with the necessary skills to produce engaging and informative audio tour segments.
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Students should send an email expressing an interest in this and any other internship opportunities to sdheritagemuseum@gmail.com
| Hours | Duration |
|---|---|
| 6 | hours per week |