DONORS TO THE MEEM INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Elizabeth Roghair
David and Julie Coates
Robin Gavin

Faith and John Gaw Meem Preservation Trades Internship

Applications for the 2025 Faith and John Gaw Meem Preservation Trades Internship are closed. The 8-week program begins June 2, 2025 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The program offers a current student or recent graduate of preservation, architecture, planning, design, or a similar field the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the theory and practice of building preservation and restoration by working with Foundation staff, board members, and external professionals in related fields. 

The Organization

The Historic Santa Fe Foundation (HSFF) is an organization that has contributed to the preservation and knowledge of the city of Santa Fe since its founding in 1961. Our mission is to preserve, protect and promote the historic properties and diverse cultural heritage of the Santa Fe area, and to educate the public about Santa Fe's history and the importance of preservation.

The Program

This program was formed in 2005 in response to the need for preservationists trained in the traditional crafts, especially those skills essential for the appropriate conservation of the Southwest’s unique earthen architecture. Past interns have been students or alumni of institutions including the University of New Mexico, Tulane University, Belmont College, and Goucher College. The program provides an opportunity for emerging professionals to gain hands-on experience with preserving and restoring historic earthen architecture.

Heritage preservation depends ultimately on a team of skilled workers who have learned the ethics and approaches of preservation as well as the disciplines of their own trades. In particular, the knowledge and skills associated with the traditional building trades are at the heart of architectural conservation.

All projects are on-site in Santa Fe, NM at either a HSFF owned property or a nearby historic site operated by a partner organization.

Program Goals

The Preservation Trades Internship exists to provide: 
·       Preservation trades training – hands-on adobe work, carpentry, window restoration, etc.
·       Exposure to the daily workings of a local preservation organization
·       Opportunities to observe local, state and federal preservation agencies and other related organizations
·       To connect emerging professionals with others in the field

Internship Qualifications

·        Currently admitted to, enrolled in, or recently graduated from a college-level preservation or related program
·        Desire to gain experience in preservation trades
·        Prior experience in construction appreciated but not required
·        Basic skills in carpentry, masonry, and related trades appreciated but not required
·        Ownership of basic hand tools appreciated but not required
·        Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds
·        Comfortable working on outdoor projects during the summer months in Santa Fe when daily highs can range from 80–100° F
·        Available to start on June 2, 2025 for an internship term of 8 weeks

Intern Duties

·        Work under direction of HSFF staff performing maintenance, repairs and conservation of historic properties in Northern New Mexico
·        Attend at least one HSFF Board meeting
·        Attend bi-monthly Santa Fe’s Historic Districts Review Board meetings
·        Observe activities of staff of city, state and federal agencies involved in preservation efforts or other preservation organizations
·        Attend and assist with HSFF events during internship term
·        Prepare and present an evaluation report on internship experience at the conclusion of the term to the HSFF Board

Compensation

Intern will be compensated for 40 hours per week at the rate of $19 per hour plus housing. Intern is responsible for food, transportation to and from Santa Fe, and within Santa Fe while in the program, with mileage compensation for travel to and from work sites.

For any questions email Giulia Caporuscio at giulia@historicsantafe.org.