PSC is seeking a Spring 2026 intern
SPRING 2026 INTERNSHIP
MAPPING CHARLESTON’S BLACK BURIAL GROUNDS PROJECT
RESEARCH INTERN
Charleston, S.C. (hybrid in-person & remote)
January 12 – April 24, 2026 (15 weeks, 10 hours per week)
STIPEND
$3,000
ABOUT THE PRESERVATION SOCIETY OF CHARLESTON
Founded in 1920, the Preservation Society of Charleston (PSC) is the oldest grassroots preservation organization in the nation. Our mission is to serve as a strong advocacy leader for citizens concerned about preserving Charleston’s distinctive character, quality of life, and diverse neighborhoods.
INTERNSHIP SUMMARY
The PSC is seeking a motivated and passionate Research Intern for Spring 2026. This paid internship will be working in support of the PSC’s Mapping Charleston’s Black Burial Grounds Project. Launched in 2024 and made possible by a National Park Service African American Civil Rights Grant, this project culminated in the creation of a community-led mapping initiative that provides a comprehensive inventory of more than 200 burial grounds in the City of Charleston. A first-of-its-kind resource, this map can be referenced by residents, descendants, policy makers, and members of the development community to better understand and protect gravesites citywide.
The PSC is excited to expand the geographic scope of this project beyond the City of Charleston to the tri-county area (Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties) with the support of the Spring 2026 Research Intern. Internship duties will include archival research, data collection and analysis, digital mapping, frequent field visits to cemeteries, and community engagement.
ELIGIBILITY
- All candidates must be based in the Charleston area.
- Applicants will possess relevant educational or professional experience in historic preservation or allied field (history/public history, African American studies, anthropology, planning, urban studies, archaeology).
- Graduate students preferred.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as time and project management skills, are required.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate and achieve results with supervision, including ability to interact professionally with key external stakeholders and community members as needed.
- Experience with data collection and organization, archival research (including historical maps), Google Earth, and ArcGIS are required.
- Appreciation and passion for preserving Charleston’s unique sense of place and cultural heritage.
The intern will work in the PSC office and remotely as internship duties require, and will report to Laurel Fay, Manager of Preservation & Research. The position will receive a $3,000 stipend, which will be paid semi-monthly over the duration of the internship.
To apply, please submit the following documents in one packaged file: a cover letter, resume, one academic or professional reference (name and contact information only), and a relevant project or academic writing sample. The most successful cover letters will clearly articulate the applicant’s field of interest as it relates to the work of the PSC.
All files are to be submitted by Friday, December 12, 2025 to Laurel Fay, Manager of Preservation & Research, at [email protected]. No phone calls please.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION STATEMENT
Preservation Society of Charleston is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment for all employees. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.