Urban Green - Oral History and Interpretation Participant

Position Summary 

The Oral History and Interpretation Intern will support a public history project focused on preserving and interpreting the legacy of the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was baptized, ordained, preached, and delivered many of his sermons and speeches. Located in Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn Historic District, this project will develop a community-informed audio tour and interpretive materials that highlight the church’s 140-year history, its influential leaders, and its impact on the surrounding community. The intern will work closely with church leaders, community members, and National Park Service staff to document oral histories and transform those narratives into engaging educational experiences for visitors. The project will explore the leadership and legacy of historic pastors, including Adam Daniel Williams, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Alfred Daniel Williams King, emphasizing how community memory helps preserve the cultural, social, and economic history of the community.

 

Location 

Atlanta, GA

 

Schedule 

June 15, 2026 - June 15, 2027

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

● Assist in collecting oral histories from church elders, community members, and National Park Service staff.

● Conduct research related to the history of Ebenezer Church and the Sweet Auburn community.

● Transcribe, organize, and archive oral history interviews for future public access. Interpretive Audio Tour Development

● Assist in developing a 6–8 audio tour stops within the sanctuary and surrounding church grounds.

● Work with community stakeholders to identify meaningful locations and stories for interpretation.

● Help draft interpretive scripts that connect local history with broader American historical events. Visitor Engagement and Public Interpretation

● Assist in translating oral histories into engaging visitor experiences.

● Support the development of interpretive narratives that help visitors understand the church’s role in social, cultural, and economic transformation.

 

Marginal Duties 

Learning Objectives: Through this internship, the intern will gain experience in:

• Oral history documentation and archival practices
• Public history and interpretive storytelling
• Community-based research methods
• Heritage tourism and visitor engagement
• Collaborative project development with community partners.

 

Required Qualifications 

• Interest in history, public history, African American studies, museum studies, religious studies, communications, or community development
• Strong writing, research, and communication skills
• Interest in oral history collection and storytelling
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Experience with audio recording, transcription, or storytelling platforms is a plus

 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Demonstrated experience conducting archival research or primary source analysis within the fields of African American history, religious studies, or local community history.
• Proficiency in audio editing software (e.g., Audacity, Adobe Audition) and digital transcription tools, with a track record of producing high-quality oral history records or podcasts.
• Experience building rapport with diverse community stakeholders and conducting formal semi-structured interviews for oral history or qualitative research projects.
• Proven ability to translate complex research into accessible content for public audiences, such as museum exhibits, blog posts, social media campaigns, or community presentations.
• Experience coordinating multifaceted projects or events, with the ability to manage timelines and deliverables while working in a team-oriented environment.

 

Hours 

40 per week

 

Living Accommodations 

N/A

 

Compensation  

• Living Allowance: $900 weekly ($1,800 bi-weekly)
• Commuting Allowance: $20 weekly
• Schedule: Hybrid work schedule (on-site and remote work)
• Professional Development: Experience in oral history preservation, public history, and community engagement

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

 

Personal Vehicle Information

 

Additional Benefits 

• First Aid/CPR
• AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

 

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.