May 28, 2015

History major receives inaugural John T. Wilkes Internship at Virginia Historical Society

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By Brian McNeill

Cadence Wilsey, a senior history major at Virginia Commonwealth University, has been awarded a prestigious summer internship with the Virginia Historical Society.

Wilsey is the inaugural recipient of the John T. Wilkes Internship, which aims to provide a history student meaningful work experience in a museum setting, and to expose the student to various aspects of historical research and interpretation.

"Ms. Wilsey showed tremendous perspective and maturity," said Bill Obrochta, manager of educational services at the Virginia Historical Society. "We look forward to working with her at the VHS."

Wilsey, who is from Manassas, said the internship will give her valuable experience working in a museum and gaining insight into public education and research.

"The Virginia Historical Society has an incredible amount of resources and it's such an honor to be able to participate in their organization," Wilsey said.

John Kneebone, Ph.D., chairman of VCU's Department of History in the College of Humanities and Sciences, said internships such as the John T. Wilkes Internship are an excellent opportunity for ambitious students to gain professional-quality experience prior to entering the job market.

The John T. Wilkes Internship is a special opportunity for learning at one of the country’s top public history institutions. We are proud that a VCU history major is the initial Wilkes intern.

"The John T. Wilkes Internship is a special opportunity for learning at one of the country’s top public history institutions," he said. "We are proud that a VCU history major is the initial Wilkes intern."

Wilsey said she is considering applying to graduate school in a few areas, and that she may be interested in working in a museum permanently or before entering grad school.

 

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