Image Courtesy of the National Museum of Industrial History

BETHLEHEM, PA – The National Museum of Industrial History (NMIH) is pleased to announce the appointment of its first Barnette Intern. A Moravian University junior with a long love of history, Brendon Ward (Class of 2024) will spend about 20 hours a week learning the many aspects of the museum’s mission. The internship comes with a stipend to support student research and is endowed through the generous support of Curtis “Hank” Barnette, Chair Emeritus of the museum’s Board of Directors and of Bethlehem Steel Corporation, and his wife Joanne Barnette.

Ward is currently helping to catalog the hundreds of thousands of documents, photographs, films and other records of the past at the museum’s archives and working on updating the museum’s ever-evolving “Forging Community” exhibit. A native of Emmaus, Brendon selected Moravian for his college career because of his ability to self-design a major that focuses on history, archeology and anthropology. A summer 2021 archeological dig in Denmark fueled his passion to “dig” into the past to preserve and learn from it.

“I envisioned teaching history as a career but realized I didn’t want to spend my days in a classroom,” Ward said. “I am grateful to the Barnette family and to NMIH for this opportunity to acquire this long-term base of professional knowledge.”

The Barnette Internship is open to college students with interests in history, museums and related fields. The next application deadline is May 31, 2023 and a full description can be found on the NMIH website.

“We are privileged to have the opportunity to host remarkable students like Brendon through the Barnette Internship program,” said NMIH Curator Andria Zaia. “Not only are we able to foster the next generation of innovators, but having the perspective of young, creative minds is an asset as we plan programs and exhibits.”

ABOUT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF INDUSTRIAL HISTORY
A Smithsonian Institution-affiliate, the National Museum of Industrial History is dedicated to preserving America’s rich industrial heritage. Housed in an 18,000-square-foot, 100-year-old former Bethlehem Steel facility on the largest private brownfield in America, the Museum is home to exciting exhibits, engaging programs and amazing history. Learn more at nmih.org.

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Megan Pildis
VP of Business Development
National Museum of Industrial History
 

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