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:
Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
N/A
Compensation
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Additional Benefits
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.
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults.
Our program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces at various locations across the country.
After working with the SCA, our members emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.
As America’s most effective youth conservation service organization, the SCA transforms lives by empowering young people of all backgrounds to plan, act, and lead while they protect and restore our natural and cultural resources.
Founded in 1957, the SCA is dedicated to building the next generation of conservation leaders while inspiring lifelong protection of the environment and our communities.
SCA's mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of our environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.
