Seeking guides for Lowcountry history: Interpretation Field School applications close soon

The College of Charleston’s Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture announce the launch of Speaking our Truths: Heritage Interpretation Field School and Internship, a unique opportunity for emerging and early career interpreters. The Avery encourages applicants ages 18 to 25 to apply by the March 15 deadline.

The program is sponsored by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Participants will receive training in interpretive guiding and a one-year professional membership with the National Association for Interpretation. They will also take daily tours with experienced naturalists and cultural history interpretive guides at historic sites across the Tri-County where they will learn local history.

After the field school, participants will begin 30-day paid internships at local museums, cultural centers and heritage sites where they can apply their newly acquired skills and gain valuable job experience. Interns will help develop tours and exhibitions, assist with research, programming, special events and more. Intern host sites include McLeod Plantation Historic Site, Middleton Place, the International African American Museum and more.

The Heritage Interpretation Field School project director, Erica Veal, says this is a unique opportunity to develop the next generation of storytellers and stewards while also diversifying the field.

“Charleston is a top tourism destination because of its history, culture and green spaces and I want create more opportunities for young interpreters from communities that are underrepresented in the field,” Veal says.

“The Lowcountry is a diverse place, but that diversity isn’t always represented in the interpretive staff at the myriad of historic sites we know and love. This field school will work to change the face of local interpreters to better represent the people, history and culture of the Lowcountry because only we can tell our stories,” Veal adds.

Veal says she is hopeful that a wide range of applicants will apply. “I’d love to host young people from the Gullah Geechee community, the Edisto Natchez Kusso and Wassamassaw tribes, the Latino+ community, as well as students from the College of Charleston, Trident Tech and beyond,” she says.

The field school is open to 14 people and previous background as a tour guide is a plus, but not required.

Application Deadline: March 15, 2026

Acceptance Notification: March 30, 2026

Field School Orientation: April 15, 2026

Field School Dates: May 18 – 29, 2026

Internship Dates: June 1 – 30, 2026

For more information about the program and to apply by the March 15 deadline, visit https://libguides.charleston.edu/averyresearchcenter/HIFS