Summer Field Study Program in Public History in Washington, D.C.
Public History is the work that historians do outside of the university to bring history to a wider audience. This can take place in many different settings but includes work at historic sites, museums, archives, libraries, parks, and monuments.
Program Location
Washington D.C.
Program Director and Course Leaders
Akela Reason
Associate Professor, History Dept.
University of Georgia
Office: 239 LeConte
Email: areason@uga.edu
Academic Program
Anyone can apply regardless of major. However, history majors in their junior and senior years may find the program especially relevant.
Course Credit
The History Department’s Public History program in Washington, DC consists of a two-course sequence (6 credits). Students must enroll in both courses.
During Maymester, students will take HIST 4026/6026, Public History in Washington DC, which provides an introduction to public history in the nation’s capital.
Whenever possible class meetings will be held at major cultural institutions in the city. During these site visits, students will have frequent opportunities to meet professionals in the field to discuss the work of public historians. In the past, field trips have also included visits to George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon in Alexandria, VA and the Gettysburg Battlefield in PA.
The Internship
In the thru semester, students will enroll in HIST 4800/6800 and intern at a major cultural site in the Washington area, getting hands-on experience in public history.
Students in previous years have interned at the Library of Congress, the National Archives, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the National Postal Museum, the Archives of American Art, the Society of Cincinnati Library, Tudor Place, Woodrow Wilson House, and the Hillwood Estate.
Internship Requirements
Upon selection for the public history program, students will work with the program director to identify potential internship options that align with the goals of the program. Students must commit to applying to several internships throughout the spring semester.
Students will be expected to work at least 30 hours per week during the period of their internships.
Students will also submit a final written project relating to their work.
Applicants should understand that most internships are highly competitive and unpaid.
Housing and Meals
During the program, students are required to reside in program housing on Capitol Hill.
Dorm-style housing for the program is provided by WISH (Washington Intern Student Housing) at the Folger Apartments, conveniently located near the Madison Building of the Library of Congress.
Program Cost & Available Funding Sources
Students will pay UGA tuition and fees for the 6-credit summer program. In addition, there is a program fee of about $3800-$4000, which covers housing and field trip costs. Fees do not include meals and living expenses.
Student financial aid and scholarships may be used to pay for program costs. Contact the Office of Student Financial Aid to determine if financial assistance can be used.
Students are also eligible to apply for the Summer Program in Public History Scholarship as well as the Department of History Study Abroad Scholarship (history majors). Other funding opportunities are available through the Office of Experiential Learning.
For more information, please visit:
http://history.uga.edu/undergrad-awards
Program Itinerary
In the thru semester, students will reside in Washington D.C. and intern at a major cultural site in the Washington area, getting hands-on experience in public history.
Students will be expected to work at least 30 hours per week during the period of their internships.
