Barrier Islands Center Summer Intern

Margaret Jane Dickinson Summer 2026 Internship 

at the Barrier Islands Center

The Barrier Islands Center (BIC) is a non-profit organization on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The mission of the BIC is to preserve and perpetuate the unique culture and history of Virginia’s barrier islands through education and the collection and interpretation of artifacts. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay in Northampton County, this educational and cultural hub provides enrichment to an underserved rural population. Offering enlightening experiences in a friendly and respectful setting, the BIC has won the trust of local island descendants, watermen, farmers and their families, and the community as a whole.

Established in 2021, this internship is designed to touch on all aspects of the Barrier Islands Center’s role as a museum, cultural center and gathering place. The intern will have the opportunity to interact with Eastern Shore of Virginia locals and visitors to the area in a museum operations and programs/events capacity. They will also have the opportunity to help capture oral histories under the auspices of a team of caring mentors. Other duties as assigned. 

The Barrier Islands Center is an organization that requires maximum creativity and problem-solving skills. The ideal candidate will excel in team support, small business skills, working with the public, and technical problem-solving. They must possess a good nature, humility, and genuine intellectual curiosity. Cultural differences should be perceived as opportunities.

The intern will learn how a successful nonprofit operates, and will develop an appreciation for the unique nature of rural and coastal life on the Eastern Shore. 

Successful applicants will be current sophomores or juniors in college who are interested in areas such as: history, media studies (capturing oral histories), coastal sciences, art/design, and nonprofit management. A stipend of $5,500 will be provided, along with housing (if needed). The intern must provide their own transportation and will be expected to work five days per week – Tuesday through Saturday – over an eight-week period (approx. June 2-July 25, 2026).  

Interested candidates may contact Megan Ames for an application: 

Megan Ames

Director of Planning and Development

757.678.5550

bicmegan@outlook.com