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University Preservation Internship- field

Newport Restoration Foundation
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Who We Are:

The Newport Restoration Foundation is a non-profit organization established by philanthropist Doris Duke in 1968 to preserve the architectural and cultural heritage of 18th and 19th century Newport. In addition to a collection of more than 70 colonial houses, now rented to tenant stewards, NRF operates properties that are open to the public —including Rough Point, the Newport home of Doris Duke, and The Vernon House, a site of expansive storytelling, contemporary dialogue, and preservation trades skill-building. 

     

Objective

Through a grant from the Van Beuren Charitable Foundation, NRF has created programs open to university students studying preservation to enhance awareness and knowledge of the physical work done in preservation trades.  These programs are designed to allow hands-on experience with the preservation of properties within Newport.  These university student focused programs are part of NRF’s broader Historic Trades Initiative creating career pathways into the historic trades. 

 

Program Overviews

University Field Internship:University preservation, or related field, students will work alongside the Preservation Crew to gain more hands-on experience with fieldwork.   This is an opportunity for someone interested in preservation to better understand the hands-on aspects of the field. 

Areas of Exposure-

  • Painting, carpentry, mill shop, site preparation, and masonry.
  • Additional areas based on student interest and NRF work schedule: site documentation, conditions assessments, architectural fragments collection, and landscaping.

 

Skills Exposure-

  • Perform the duties of a carpenter, including the repair of reproduction of window frames, sash, doors, ridge boards, moldings, water tables, corner boards, frieze boards, soffit, and any other elements of exterior and/or interior trim; cut, set, sanding, and glaze glass.
  • Assess the existing conditions of historic material and assist in helping NRF make sound decisions regarding preserving, repairing, restoring, or replacing historic materials or features. 
  • Operate safely under supervision: mill shop machinery and all types of hand tools (based on individual assessments) 
  • Maintain field and shop equipment and machinery to ensure safe operation. 
  • Provide painting, varnishing, and staining for woodwork.
  • Complete small masonry repairs using appropriate mortar and stone.

 

Participant Profile - 

  • Strong interest in working in the preservation trades.
  • Interest in historic preservation field and building construction.
  • Basic construction skills are a plus, but not required. 
  • Able to lift 50 lbs. and stand for several hours.
  • University student in good standing.

Intern should possess the following qualities:

  • Detail oriented.  To meet specifications of project at hand and to keep themselves safe.
  • Dexterity. Must be able to learn how to make precise cuts with a variety of hand tools and power tools. Strong hand-eye coordination.
  • Math skills. Knowledge of basic math and computer skills are important. Understand basic geometry to visualize how the wood pieces will fit together.
  • Physical stamina & strength. Ability to endure long periods of standing and repetitious movements.
  • Desire to learn & possess natural curiosity. 

 

Schedule, Pay, and Credits-

  • One semester during a calendar year.
  • Work with the NRF crew 20-40 hours per week during traditional business hours. 
  • Intern will be paid $18 per hour by NRF as an NRF employee.
  • Indoor and outdoor work will be completed.  Participants must dress accordingly.
  • As this is a new program, there is no pre-existing approval for this program as a credit bearing internship program.  However, should a student request credit toward their degree program, NRF will fully participate and support such endeavors. 

 

Location-

  • Participant will start the day at the NRF Mill (62 Halsey St, Newport RI). 
  • Each day, participants will travel with the NRF crew to one of the organization’s historic properties (i.e., job site). 
  • Intern must have reliable transportation to work.
  • Housing may be available during the internship. Contact NRF for more information.