Two Framingham State University students share a behind the scenes look of their summer internship experiences so far. Meet Kasandra Rempelakis and Alex Szarka!
Hi! My name is Kasandra Rempelakis and I have been working on several different projects since I started my internship at the Framingham History Center. The first of which is my mini exhibit. This project involves curating an exhibit case that will be displayed at the Village Hall on the Common starting in August. I began this project by exploring the History Center’s large collection of objects in order to get some topic ideas. Once I decided on the direction of the exhibit, I began to compile a list of potential objects I might include. Currently I am starting the process of choosing objects, researching, and writing my labels. Aside from my mini exhibit, I have also scanned several books and pamphlets to create a digital copy. Some are part of the collection and others are informational pamphlets that include historic information on Framingham. Several of these are now available to be viewed on the History Center’s Online Research Resources page. I have also been visiting Harmony Grove Elementary School to do educational activities with groups of kindergarten and first grade students.
The internship has been great so far! I have been able to learn new skills and sharpen old ones. It has been great working with children and teaching them history at an early age. It has also been a valuable experience learning how to use a book scanner and then uploading the digital content to the website. In regards to the mini exhibit , I have been practicing my writing skills, especially writing for a specific audience.
Hello, my name is Alex Szarka, and this summer I am interning at the Framingham History Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays. During the first 2 weeks of my internship, I got to know the inner workings of the History Center. My tasks included taking photographic scans of historical documents and booklets, as well as cataloguing dates and names of Framingham newspapers dating from 1835 to 1983. There were also other tasks I took part in, such as setting up for the Focus on the Fullers event on June 30. These tasks, I feel, were a just a preview for what I was to expect from my experience at the Framingham History Center.
In addition to experiencing collections and programming work, I have been assisting Laura Rankin, Director of Programs & Education, with educational activities. Prior to my internship, I was told that one of the main things I would be doing is working with Kindergarden-1st grade students at an ELL (English Language Learner) camp known as RISE during the month of July. During my time at RISE so far, I have had the opportunity to help students make tricorn hats and color maps, as well as assist with teaching colonial-style games. As a Framingham State student majoring in History, it has been insightful getting a hands-on look at a history museum. As such, my experience as a Framingham History Center intern has been helpful as I plan my future career path.