Opportunities

Now Accepting Applications

Advisory Council Member

The Southern Historic Preservation Society is building its inaugural Advisory Council — a body of distinguished scholars, preservation practitioners, community leaders, and subject-matter experts who will provide strategic guidance, scholarly credibility, and a network of expertise to support the Society's research and advocacy mission.

Advisory Council membership is an honorific, volunteer role. Members are not compensated but receive recognition in all Society publications and on our website, and are invited to participate in Council activities as their schedules permit.

The Role

Advisory Council members serve as expert resources for the Society and its staff, contributing guidance in their areas of specialization. This is a flexible, low-barrier commitment designed to complement the work of active researchers and professionals.

Responsibilities

• Provide subject-matter expertise and peer review for Society publications, monographs, and research initiatives upon request
• Advise on research priorities, program development, and advocacy positions as relevant to your area of expertise
• Represent and promote the Society within your professional networks and institutions
• Participate in at least one advisory consultation per year (conducted remotely via video call or written correspondence)
• Attend the Society's annual virtual convening, where schedules permit
• Optionally contribute to the Society's blog or publications as a guest author or commentator

We Are Especially Seeking Expertise In

• Southern history, cultural history, and heritage studies
• Architectural history and historic preservation practice
• African American history and heritage in the South
• Landscape history and cultural geography
• Archaeological studies of Southern sites
• Digital humanities and heritage technology
• Nonprofit law, preservation policy, and advocacy
• Museum studies, archival science, and collections management
• Oral history and community documentation

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (M.A., M.S., J.D., Ph.D., or equivalent) in a relevant field, or demonstrated professional expertise in preservation, cultural heritage, or a related discipline
• Active engagement with research, practice, or advocacy in Southern history, preservation, or a closely related area
• Commitment to the Society's mission of documenting and preserving Southern cultural heritage
• Willingness to engage respectfully and constructively across disciplines and community perspectives

Term of Service

Advisory Council members serve an initial two-year term, renewable by mutual agreement. There are no term limits. Members may resign at any time.

Benefits of Service

• Named recognition in all Society publications and on the SHPS website
• Complimentary membership in the Southern Historic Preservation Society
• Access to pre-publication drafts of Society monographs and research reports
• Invitation to all Society events and virtual convenings
• Opportunity to shape the research agenda of a growing national preservation organization

Now Accepting Applications

Research & Communications Intern

The Southern Historic Preservation Society offers remote internships for undergraduate and graduate students with an interest in Southern history, historic preservation, public history, archival research, digital humanities, or nonprofit communications. We welcome students at all stages of their academic careers and are happy to work with your institution to provide academic credit where applicable.

Our internships are deliberately flexible. We understand that students balance coursework, assistantships, and other commitments, and we structure internship arrangements around your schedule and availability. Internships are unpaid; however, we actively support efforts to obtain academic credit and are glad to work with faculty advisors and internship coordinators at your institution.

What You'll Do

Intern responsibilities are tailored to each student's interests, skills, and availability. Depending on your focus area, you may be involved in one or more of the following:

• Historical Research: Conducting primary and secondary source research in support of Society publications, monographs, and the Heritage Sites Map project
• Writing & Editorial: Drafting blog posts, research summaries, newsletter content, and descriptive entries for heritage sites
• Digital Communications: Assisting with social media, email newsletters, and website content updates
• Heritage Sites Map: Researching, documenting, and cataloging Southern heritage sites for inclusion in our interactive public map
• Archival & Collections Work: Assisting with the identification, description, and organization of historical documents, photographs, and materials
• Event & Program Support: Helping coordinate virtual events, lecture series, and public programming

Who Should Apply

We welcome applicants from a wide range of disciplines. You do not need to be a history major. We are particularly interested in students studying:

• History, public history, or historical studies (at any level)
• Historic preservation, heritage studies, or architectural history
• Library science, archival studies, or museum studies
• Journalism, communications, or digital media
• Geography, cultural landscapes, or urban planning
• Anthropology, archaeology, or folklore
• Digital humanities or data-driven research methods

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited college or university
• Strong writing skills and attention to detail
• Genuine interest in Southern history, cultural heritage, or historic preservation
• Ability to work independently and manage your own time effectively in a remote environment
• Reliable access to a computer and internet connection
• Familiarity with basic research tools and citation practices

Time Commitment

We ask for a minimum commitment of 5–10 hours per week for a minimum of one semester or 12 weeks. We are flexible on hours and schedule and can accommodate students with heavier course loads. Internships can be extended by mutual agreement.

What You'll Gain

• Hands-on experience working with a professional historic preservation and public history organization
• Published bylines and portfolio work in history, research writing, or digital communications
• A letter of recommendation from SHPS leadership upon satisfactory completion of your internship
• Professional mentorship from SHPS staff and, where appropriate, Advisory Council members
• Complimentary SHPS membership during your internship period
• The opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Southern heritage preservation at a critical moment for the field