Summer Internship Program
Job description
Horseshoe Bay Farms Intern Program: Summer 2025
About Horseshoe Bay Farms
Horseshoe Bay Farms is a historic farm located on the shores of Green Bay in Door County, Wisconsin. The farm, listed on both the National and Wisconsin Registers of Historic Places, has been a site of significant agricultural activity since 1917. Originally 800 acres, the farm today encompasses 8 acres and is home to nine original farm buildings, two historic farmhouses, and a rich history in agriculture, architecture, and community service.
Our History
Horseshoe Bay Farms began as Murphy Farms in the mid-1910s, built to be a premier Holstein breeding operation. The farm was funded by a wealthy New York family with a timber fortune and featured state-of-the-art facilities built from locally sourced materials. Over the years, the farm has evolved from Holstein breeding to fruit cultivation and eventually into a nonprofit dedicated to preserving its history and revitalizing the property.
In 2018, we saved the farm from development and created a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to ensure its preservation. We have renovated multiple buildings, created public programs, and are dedicated to revitalizing the farm’s role as a community asset
Internship Overview
We are looking for two full-time interns for the summer of 2025, who will live and work on-site at the farm. Interns will participate in the farm's day-to-day activities, historical research, event planning, and agricultural education, with primary responsibilities in one of these key areas:
Agriculture
Landscape Design
Daily Operations
History
Non-Profit Management and Program Development
Primary Responsibility for One Event
Each intern will manage one additional event, working closely with the board or key volunteers. Examples include:
Car Show: Organize and help provide a successful event for both participants and volunteers.
History Event Day: Partner with a board member or key volunteer and plan a successful event that focuses on the history of Door County and Horseshoe Bay Farms.
Boys and Girls Club: Develop and execute a morning full of activities for children.
Garden Day: Assist in expanding or enhancing events like a Garden Day or Garden Club Events.
Primary Responsibility for One Project
Each intern will be assigned a project relevant to their area of study, to be completed by the end of the summer. Examples include:
Farm building renovation: Research grants for farm building rehabilitation and develop a draft grant application.
Historical materials collection: Develop an archival program, write a grant proposal, and help expand the collection.
Community partnership development: Enhance relationships with community organizations, such as the Boys' and Girls' Club or Door County Master Gardeners.
Media outreach: Develop a media plan to increase awareness of the farm and assist in its implementation.
Farm tours enhancement: Propose improvements for the farm tour experience, such as signage, historical artifacts, and educational resources.
Children’s programs: Develop a new program or project aimed at enhancing the farm’s appeal to children.
Day-to-Day Farm Activities
Social media & content creation: Develop content for the farm’s social media channels, including photos, videos, and event updates.
Newsletter articles: Write articles for the farm’s quarterly newsletter.
Volunteer coordination: Work with the volunteer coordinator to recruit and manage volunteers for tours, garden work, and event preparation.
Farm maintenance: Assist in general farm operations, including working in the gardens, visitor center, and event setup/breakdown.
Community outreach: Help brainstorm ways to increase community and tourist awareness of the farm.
Intern Qualifications
We seek interns with backgrounds or interests in the following areas:
Non-profit management and program development
History, archiving, and social archaeology
Landscape Design
Daily Operations
Agricultural education
Ideal Candidates Will Have:
Enthusiasm and an ability to apply classroom knowledge to real-world tasks.
Strong organizational skills (planning, calendaring, budgeting, etc.).
A desire to engage with historical facts and make them accessible to people of all ages.
Interest in learning about grant applications and non-profit management.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Experience or interest in social media management.
Ability to work collaboratively with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Flexibility, creativity, and willingness to take initiative.
A positive attitude and a strong work ethic.
Work Schedule
Full-time, 35–40 hours/week.
Workdays: Wednesdays through Sundays.
Usual hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (with a 1-hour lunch).
Flexibility required for event work.
Days off: One weekend off (July 12-13), plus Memorial Day (May 25-26) and Father’s Day Sunday off.
Compensation
Total estimated hours: 450 hours for the summer.
Housing: On-site housing in the North Farmhouse (private, furnished bedroom, shared bathroom, kitchen, and living area).
Transportation: A car is required. On-site parking is available.
Start Date: May 19th-August 24th