University Preservation Internship- field 2026

12/5/25:  The below description is a revision of the previously posted position, not a separate internship.

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

NRF has created a program open to university students studying preservation to enhance awareness and knowledge of the physical work done in preservation trades.  This program is designed to allow hands-on experience with the preservation of properties within Newport.  The university student focused program is 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- 

• Paint Crew- Intern will work primarily in the field. Field work entails interior and exterior restoration of our properties. Intern will participate in planning and completion of finish work alongside crew.  Work entails painting, window repair, and glazing. Intern will be expected to use exterior ladders to second floor.
• Mill Crew- NRF’s mill creates and repairs architectural elements for use in NRF historic properties.  Intern will fulfill two roles- update administrative logbooks used within the mill, and based on intern’s skill level, work with mill supervisor to complete select fine carpentry projects.  This may include wood milling, molding creation, door repair or storm window repair. 
• Carpentry Crew- Intern will support crew during the yearly house check process where staff assess project needs for each property.  Once complete, the materials associated with the checks (forms & photos) will be organized and uploaded for seasonal work projection. Inter will also shadow crew members during property repairs to better understand field carpentry process. Based on intern’s skill level, they may participate in physical repairs to properties. 
• General- 
• 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. 
• Preparation and organization of historic documents used to track repairs to historic properties. 

Additional areas based on student interest and NRF work schedule: site documentation, conditions assessments, architectural fragments collection, and landscaping.

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.  Strong hand-eye coordination.
• Math skills. Knowledge of basic math and strong computer skills are important. 
• Physical stamina & strength. Ability to endure long periods of standing and repetitious movements.
• Desire to learn & possess natural curiosity. 

Schedule, Pay, and Credits-

• 6-8 weeks during April/May/June or Sept/Oct/November.  Start date is negotiable.
• Work with the NRF crew 2 full days per week.  Wed/Th is preferrable. 
• 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.