CSC lands first joint internship with Nebraska State Historical Society

As part of the three credit hour internship, Carroll will work her way through a robust guided reading list this semester to develop talking points she can utilize during her summer on-site work at the NSHS museum at Fort Robinson where she will serve as an historical interpreter.

“It’s a really great opportunity. Not only is it hands-on, but Fort Robinson has a lot of history,” she said of the opportunity she learned about from her instructor Sarah Polak who is also the director of the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center.

NSHS officials Mike Smith and Ann Billesbach interviewed Carroll on the phone before granting her the position.

“By the end of the phone interview, it seemed like I was the person they were looking for,” Carroll said.

Smith said Carroll was well-spoken, and not shy, the perfect combination for the position.

“We wanted someone with the skills to be an interpreter, work with the public and get them interested in history. Almost all of us got our start with summer internships,” Smith said “We have a great partnership with the Game and Parks. We have 14 buildings on the grounds and this summer we will have two tipis set up by the museum to give more honor to the Native Americans, as we should.”

Last week, Carroll met with various stakeholders in the internship including Polak, Smith, Deena Kennell, director of CSC internships and career services, and Jerry Taylor, on-site manager in charge of maintenance and repair at the museum.

Polak said it is rewarding for the NSHS to recognize Chadron State’s museum studies program, the only one in Nebraska, with the paid internship partnership.

“I hope it is the start of a long relationship,” Polak said.

Kennell added the recognition of CSC students as a quality resource is an honor and a testament to Chadron State’s academic programs.