News
Summer Interns Support Museum Activities
August 29, 2011
This summer, Longyear welcomed four interns, each of whom brought distinct skills and a desire to support the Museum’s mission. In addition to gaining practical experience in the Curatorial, Development, Visitor Services, and Multimedia departments, the interns learned more about Mary Baker Eddy and early workers in the Christian Science movement by exploring the Museum’s exhibits and visiting some of the historic houses in the Longyear collection.
Barbara Palmer contributed her photography talents to the Curatorial department where she worked closely with the assistant curator of Longyear’s image collection. In addition to working with the historic photo collection, Barbara documented some of the Museum’s projects this summer by taking photographs of the processes.
She came to Longyear following a post-undergraduate semester in Greece where she studied drawing, painting, and photography. She graduated in 2009 from Principia College, with a degree in Mass Communication.
“My time at Longyear has greatly expanded my understanding of the history of Christian Science and of the healing work in the early days of the movement,” Barbara said. “I have had a chance to understand the profound level of faith and conviction the early workers had, and how important it is to share those lessons today, to understand better our mission and heritage as Christian Scientists. Getting such an in-depth view into the Curatorial department of a museum has also helped clarify my career direction and given me a great start on a new path!”
Marianna Hronek, a Business and Marketing major at Principia College, supported the work of the Development Office this summer. Her activities included administrative and data reporting projects, answering inquiries from Longyear members, and helping with a variety of stewardship initiatives.
“I have enjoyed spending my summer at Longyear, gaining experience in a non-profit office, and learning so much about the life of the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science,” said Marianna. “I have loved going on the tours of the Mary Baker Eddy historic houses, and also receiving a behind-the-scenes Museum tour. This has been a memorable internship that has included meeting great people, making friends, and exploring Boston and surrounding areas.”
This fall, Marianna will return to Elsah, Illinois, to complete her senior year of college.
Caroline Savoye wore many hats this summer. She had the opportunity to greet Museum visitors, work on projects for the Curatorial department, assist with school field trips at one of the historic houses, and provide administrative support to staff members Museum-wide.
"I have loved my experience as a Longyear intern. Through working at Longyear I have gained a greater understanding of Mrs. Eddy and how she was led to discover Christian Science,” Caroline said. “I’ve also really enjoyed getting to visit some of the homes, and exploring Mrs. Eddy’s life through resources available at the Museum."
Caroline will return to Principia College this fall to complete her senior year. She will graduate in May with a degree in Art History.
James Suber, a 2010 graduate of Principia College, was an intern in Longyear’s Multimedia Department this summer. He brought to the Museum his background in history and film, and his experience with video editing. Over the summer he created several short videos and helped in the Curatorial department.
“My internship with Longyear has been excellent,” James said. “I’ve been able to work with several different departments, which has provided me with diverse opportunities to both help and learn. As an added benefit, I’ve gained a better understanding of Mrs. Eddy’s role as Discoverer and Founder. Seeing the realities of her struggles and successes have helped make her more accessible, connecting me to her life and purpose. It has been incredible!”
This fall James plans to travel to New Zealand.
