FIELD TRIPS

The Blair County Historical Society is always pleased to host school groups, students, and educators of all ages and backgrounds. All students receive a guided tour of the homes led by our specially-trained docents. House tours are tailored to fit any grade-level and cover many historical topics. These programs allow for greater exploration of topics ranging from industrial, military, and social history. Learn about the Baker Family as well as multiple layers of Blair County History.

ADMISSION:
Chaperone: $6
Student: $4
Teacher & Bus Driver: Free

Student and Teacher Preparation:
Group tours should be scheduled at least one week in advance. Call 814-942-3916 or email [email protected] to make an appointment or for more information.

• It is preferable that students have a contextual background in the historical period(s) they will be learning about the day of the trip.
  
• Students should be briefed on the purpose of the trip and what to expect, as well as on the rules for behavior on the bus and at the  site.
• Students and teachers can enjoy lunch at Baker Mansions.  Educators and chaperones should bring trash bags and make sure their area is cleaned after eating.  Society staff or volunteers will see to disposal.  

• Divide the students into their groups before the field trip to make coordination on site easier.

• Consider bringing students to our Special Events–most of which are open to the general public for free or reasonable prices.

On the Field Trip:

• Bus parking is on Oak Lane parallel to the fence. 
  

• Group leaders should check-in with museum staff upon arrival. Please keep students outside or on the bus until directed otherwise.

• No indoor facilities are available for school groups to eat lunch at Baker Mansion.  Schools are responsible for cleaning up their trash.

• No food, candy, gum, or liquids are allowed inside the mansions or any of the other exhibit areas. Food and drink may be consumed outside.

• Indoor restrooms are available on site.  That said, if you are local, encourage students to use the restrooms at school before departing.

• For mansion tours: No more than fifteen people per tour guide, including adults. No more than two student groups of fifteen people per group can tour in the mansion at any given time. Students and chaperones will be required to stay with their guide at all times in the mansion. Unfortunately, due to the historic architecture of the building, accessibility is limited.

INTERNSHIPS

The Blair County Historical Society internship program allows a diverse group of people with innumerable interests, strengths, and goals to encounter an educational environment where they can work with and learn from professionals and scholars in related areas of concentration. The Society offers interns of different backgrounds unique opportunities in a variety of fields, including historical research and more. Internships are unpaid in most cases, but numerous college students have worked with the Society for academic credit and to obtain a career-building experience in the History field and beyond. While ours in a history museum, interns do not have to be History students. Much work is undertaken in running historic sites.  Thus, individuals with interdisciplinary and diverse talents are required.

We gladly accept pupils studying:
African American Studies, American Studies, Anthropology, Architecture,  Archaeology, Communication, English, Environmental Studies, Film & Video, Graphic Design, History, Hospitality Management, Liberal Arts, Marketing, Parks/Recreation & Tourism, Philosophy, Public History, Public Relations, Sociology, Visual & Performing Arts, and more!

Helpful (but not always required) skills for prospective interns:
- Strong communication skills to work with the general public
- Proficiency in analyzing and writing
- Knowledge and interest in American history
- Knowledge of standard office computer skills, including database software and word processing
- Library research skills
- Some experience with object handing, accessioning, or preservation
- Some experience with exhibition development
- Ability to work independently and take instruction on detailed tasks

Tasks an intern may take on include:
- Cataloging and/or reorganizing historical artifacts, documents, or photos
- Planning for special events including lectures, exhibits, renovations, or reenactments
- Designing or writing museum displays visuals or text
- Conduct museum tours for visitors or school groups
- Give community presentations on the Society and local history
- Create brochures, publications, press releases, or promotional literature
- Market the Society’s sites and resources to tourists and the general public
- Conduct living history programs/reenactments in period clothing
- Digitize historical documents and photos for internet use
- Assist in mass mailings to publicize events and boost membership
- Operate a cash register while managing gift shop retailing
- Write federal, state, or corporate grants for funding and special projects
- Produce commercials, videos, short films, introductory movies, or short documentaries
- Partner with local hotels, attractions, and visitor bureaus to promote the Society
- Conduct architectural and/or environmental assessments of society sites and resources
- Help maintain society social media tools including Facebook, YouTube, and the website

How to apply for an internship at the Blair County Historical Society:
Send a cover letter and resume to the Society explaining your experiences, interests, and ambitions. Tell us why you wish to do this internship, what skills you bring to the table, and if this is for a special project/academic credit. Send this information to [email protected] for more information.