Internship: Smeja Homestead Foundation
The Smeja Homestead Foundation owns the 200-acre Indian Hill Manor and Farm which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (2001). It is located at the confluence of the Kishwaukee and Rock rivers in northern Illinois. The site was a “Gentleman’s Farm” that operated from 1916 to 1947 using modern livestock and farming practices. The period after World War I saw a rapid change in agriculture as farmers began to adopt more scientific methods of crop rotation, soil conservation and livestock husbandry. The original configuration of the farm fields, the dairy and horse barns, and a few outbuildings of the historic farm remain.
The farm records for this period of innovation and change in farming for Indian Hill Farm are lost, but the public record contains information on the equipment used at the beginning of the century when the farm was purchased, the number and type of livestock, the number of farm hands living on the property, and other information that can be used to paint a more accurate history of the changes in farming during the early 20th century in northern Illinois.
The Foundation is seeking an intern for twelve (12) weeks from February 1, 2022 to April 26, 2022. Some date flexibility is available to coincide with the intern’s academic schedule. About every two (2) weeks, an up-date on the types and progress of conducted research is to be provided. A draft report is due by the end of week ten (10). This will allow time for any revisions, prior to the final report that will be due at week twelve (12).
Though at least one (1) site visit to Indian Hill is suggested, this remote/off-site internship is to research and compile public records on Indian Hill Farm and to write a report on the role of Gentleman’s Farms in promoting modern farming practices in the early 20th century that can be used in developing educational programs for the Farm. The report should include an inventory of equipment, livestock, and buildings on the Farm, based on public record research, the role of Land Grant universities in promoting modern farming practices, and how Gentleman’s Farms served as models for other farmers to demonstrate the use of new farming methods and livestock breeds.
Interested applicants should apply using the attached form and sending it along with a resume to Jerry Paulson, President, at jpaulson@indianhillmanor.net. Relevant skills include strong research, writing and organizational ability; the ability to work independently and collaboratively; comfort with using search engines to research public databases, and contacting and interviewing people by phone; and an interest in the history of agriculture and knowledge of agricultural practices.
College undergraduates with three (3) or less remaining academic terms to graduation and graduate students in relevant fields are urged to apply. Check with your institution about using the internship for class credit or fulfilling requirements for graduation.
Computer and high-speed internet access are required. Temporary housing is available for on-site visits. The Foundation will provide a stipend of $3,000.00 ($250.00 per week) plus approved on-line research expenses and travel reimbursements. The estimated time to complete this work is about 100 hours.
For more information contact: Jerry Paulson, 815-904-5690 or via email at jpaulson@indianhillmanor.net. Website: www.IndianHillManor.net