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Open to Duke undergraduate and Masters students. Work-study not required.
DEADLINE: Friday, December 8, 2025, 5:00 PM. Apply via Duke JobX (Job ID 9108).
This internship at the independent Durham non-profit Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice (PMC) is intended for Duke undergraduate and Masters students. The position is administered by the Franklin Humanities Institute, as part of the PMC's long-standing partnership with the FHI and the Duke Human Rights Center @ FHI.
ABOUT THE PAULI MURRAY CENTER
The Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice engages diverse communities to lift up the life and legacy of activist, legal scholar, feminist, poet, Episcopal priest and LGBTQ community member, Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray, in order to tackle enduring inequities and injustice in our nation.
The Center began as the Pauli Murray Project: a public humanities, community-based initiative of the Duke Human Rights Center at the John Hope Franklin Humanities Institute (DHRC@FHI) aimed at promoting open dialogue among Durham residents about the pressing issues of our time and their historical roots; documenting hidden stories of social justice activism; celebrating Pauli Murray’s life and legacy and continuing their work for social change. Now an independent nonprofit organization that operates a National Historic Landmark site (the Fitzgerald home, Pauli’s childhood residence), the Center connects experiences of the past to contemporary human rights issues, inspiring visitors of all ages to be like Pauli, by standing up, speaking out and taking action based on their principles.
The Center is open and welcoming to everyone: students, families, visitors to Durham, people of faith, aspiring young LGBTQ activists, civil rights lawyers, divinity school students, artists and poets, history-minded West End neighbors, scholars and community leaders. Its programming encompasses public history, education, arts, and activism. The Center is well positioned to advance its long-term vision of working collaboratively to move to its next phase as an organization—creating a Center as an historic site, incubator, oasis and sacred space.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
The PMC Public History & Storytelling Intern will assist with enlivening the interpretation of Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray’s newly renovated childhood home in Durham, North Carolina. They will work under the guidance of the Center's Public Historian to uplift Murray’s life history through digital storytelling.
The ideal candidate will value Pauli Murray’s activism, creativity, experimentation and community engagement.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Collaborate with the Public Historian to conduct intensive historical and archival research.
- Assist with brainstorming ideas and crafting story narratives related to Pauli Murray’s life history.
- Assist in locating and coordinating interviews with individuals who have experiences, knowledge and resources that can support the development of story narratives related to Pauli Murray’s life history.
- Assist with the creation of interpretive materials such as graphics, videos, and other visual/audio content.
- Performing general administrative and clerical tasks for various projects as needed.
CORE REQUIREMENTS
- Alignment with the mission and values of the Pauli Murray Center.
- Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in History, Museum Studies, Documentary Studies, Public History, or a related field.
- Demonstrated research, writing, and communication skills.
- Ability to handle sensitive topics and historical material with respect and care.
- Creative and innovative ideas on interpreting the history of Durham, Pauli Murray and the wider community.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
DESIRED SKILLS OR QUALITIES
- A strong interest in Black and LGBTQ+ stories, culture, and history.
- Familiarity with and/or prior engagement with Pauli Murray Center.
- Experience with community-engaged programming.
- Experience with content creation and audio/video editing.
SCHEDULE + COMPENSATION
- Part-time: 10-15 hours/week, $20.00/hr
- January 2026 - May 2026
- Hybrid work (while the primary duties of this role can be completed remotely, some on-site work will be required)
- Reports to: Public Historian, Pauli Murray Center
TO APPLY
Please apply through Duke's JobX student employment portal (Job ID 9108). Applicants will be required to submit the following:
- A 500-word statement of interest
- A current resume
- The names and contact information of two references
Questions?
Please send queries to the Pauli Murray Center Public Historian at historian@paulimurraycenter.org