So my internship in Trappe has come to an end, and I thought it would be fitting to write a concluding work diary post to sum up my working experience as well as to reflect on my time there.
OVERVIEW OF WORK WEEKS
W1 (May 15th-19th): 34 hours
Introduction to the various historic buildings (Dewee's Tavern, Henry Muhlenburg's House, and Speaker's House)
Start of organizing Henry Muhlenberg carriage house
Maintenance of historic building properties
Field trip to antique show and sale
W2 (May 22nd-26th): 33 hours 45 minutes
Trip to Daniel Hiester House- artifact separation and pottery reconstruction
Continued maintenance of historic building properties
Assisted in museum-style photo shoot of artifacts
Gave my first tour at Henry's
W3 (May 29th-June 2nd): 38 hours
Continued organization of Henry's carriage house
Continued maintenance of historic building properties (really it is safe to assume I did this every week...because I did)
Sat in on Trappe Historical Society meeting
Participated in Speaker's House Garden Party
W4 (June 4th-9th): 39 hours
Helped prepare for Speaker's House field school
Introduction to field school
Sat and participated in the Trappe Historical Society museum board meeting
Excavation of my unit
Worked at Henry's visitor center
W5 (June 12th-16th): 37 hours 15 minutes
Continued excavation of my unit (this continues until basically the last week of my internship)
Assisted in a lecture demonstration about ceramics (specifically redware)
W6 (June 18th-23rd): 47 hours 15 minutes
Sifted dirt for artifacts at the Hiester House
Worked in the artifacts lab (mostly reconstructing ceramics)
Curated and provided information on artifacts for a large tour at the Hiester House
Gave a tour of Henry's
W7 (June 26th-30th): 40 hours 30 minutes
Last week of field school
W8 (July 8th,10th-14th): 43 hours 45 minutes
Helped set up and take down Dinner on Main Street event
Gave constant tours of Henry's study and bedroom for Dinner on Main Street event
Organized attics at Dewee's
Headed the continuation of the excavation
Sorted and re-bagged Walter Payne collection
W9 (July 16th-21st): 42 hours 45 minutes
Continued organization at Dewee's
W10 (July 23rd-28th): 39 hours 45 minutes
Field trip to Backstage Preservation Service Center
Mass clean-out of Henry's carriage house with construction company volunteers
W11 (July 30th-August 3rd): 38 hours 30 minutes
Finished excavation
Finished organization at both Henry's carriage house and Dewee's
Sat in on Trappe Historical Society museum board meeting and displayed the progress of work we had been doing
TOTAL WORK HOURS: 434 hours 30 minutes
I really enjoyed working with both The Historic Trappe Society and The Speaker's House, not only because I find the history and the process of upholding smaller museums fascinating, but because the people associated with both organizations are extremely welcoming and willing to help us interns both in the present time of working and in our future prospects. I've learned a lot of valuable skills that can be easily transferable to a wide variety of positions, and I am so greatful. I would absolutely love returning to work in some capacity if, of course, they'd have me back.