INTERNSHIPS

Programs and Library Internship (Winter 2026) 
Public Engagement Division 

Start date: early January
Weekly Hours:  ~10 hours/week 
Duration: from hire to mid-March
Rate/stipend amount: $25 per hour, not to exceed 100 hours ($2500 total) 

About The Organization 

The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) is a nonprofit organization that stewards historic places in Santa Barbara, preserving unique structures and also sharing the layered histories and cultural traditions that give them meaning.  

SBTHP supports the historic core of downtown through its operation of El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park for California State Parks, ownership of Casa de la Guerra as a historic house museum and stewardship of the surrounding nine-block Presidio Neighborhood with marketing and events that bring awareness to these special places.  

This position will support our Public Programs and Research Center departments on several projects over the period of the internship. Intern selected for this position will gain experience in public programs and library collections management. Majority of work will be completed Monday – Friday, between 9am and 5 pm, with limited weekend events required.   

Scope of Duties 

Presidio Research Center work (3-4 hours per week) 

• Retrieving items and reshelving materials using Library of Congress Call Number system  

• Examining books for condition, identifying markings and potential for conservation or repair work 

• Inputting data into library computer systems, making corrections, and updating records  

• Programs and Events work (5-6 hours per week) 

• Assisting with the planning, coordination, and execution of SBTHP’s major public and school programs, including Presidio by Candlelight (February 5) and the Our Communities, Our Stories 3rd-grade program (March 19–20 and April 10–11).  

• Assisting in the development and delivery of field trip programming, including leading tours, facilitating activities, and engaging students of varying ages and backgrounds  

• Creating and adapting educational and interpretive materials (handouts, activity guides, visual aids) to support tours and programs  

• Providing on-site support at events, including activity set-up, vendor check-in, wayfinding, and visitor engagement  

• Assisting with program evaluation and documentation, including gathering visitor feedback, photographing events, and helping prepare post-program reports  

• Collaborating with staff and volunteers in a team-based environment to gain experience in nonprofit public history operations 

Qualifications 

• Demonstrated interest or experience in program planning, public and informal education, history, museum studies, libraries and/or public history 

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail 

• Excellent writing and communication skills 

• Ability to work well with diverse groups 

Application Process 

Please send a resume/CV and a one-page cover letter describing your relevant experience and interest in this position. Please send materials as a PDF to our Director of Programs, Kat Bertram, at kat@sbthp.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.