Derven Scholars
HNOC’s Derven Scholars program selects undergraduate or graduate students to learn and work alongside our education department. Derven Scholars help to plan, create, and facilitate educational programs or develop resources that can be used in K–12 classrooms. The Derven Scholars program honors the memory and legacy of Daphne L. Derven, whose vision and commitment to educational outreach transformed HNOC for the better. Her work continues to inspire staff, teachers, and students.
Derven Scholar internships occur every fall, spring, and summer. The program is open to currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students with a passion for historical research and an interest in a career in museum education. The scholarship includes a stipend of $1,500.
Applications for the Spring 2025 session will open Wednesday, November 13, 2024, and close Friday, January 3, 2025.
Who can apply?
Currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to apply. We look for applicants who demonstrate a passion for history, education, and/or museums in their academic or volunteer work.
When is the internship?
The Spring 2025 Derven Scholar will begin with an in-person orientation at HNOC in mid-January 2025 and complete their internship by May 2025. We work with the scholar to determine a schedule that works best for their academic commitments.
Is there a stipend?
Yes! Each Derven Scholar receives a $1,500 total stipend as part of this program. This stipend can be awarded in monthly installments or in a single payment at the end of the internship.
What is the time commitment?
The Derven Scholar is expected to devote about 10 hours each week to this position. These hours can include meetings, career conversations with staff, independent research, and time supporting Education programs. Because this is a hybrid experience, the Scholar is expected to commit to 3-4 hours each week on-site at the museum on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays.
What questions are part of the application?
We're so glad you asked! In addition to general questions (your school, your major, etc.), students are required to answer the following questions as part of their applications:
- What aspect of Louisiana history are you most passionate about? Is there a topic that you wish more people knew about?
- What excites you about museum education? Do you have any experience sharing history with others?
- What is your dream job?
- Why are you interested in an internship with the Historic New Orleans Collection?
Questions? Please email HNOC's Education Department.
Past Derven Scholars
2024
- Olivia Cruse, Nicholls State University
2023
- Anna Rodriguez, University of New Orleans
- Emily Goldsmith, University of Southern Mississippi
- Janel Blessing, Loyola University New Orleans, A Literary Tour of New Orleans
2022
- Lauren Smith, University of New Orleans
- Chloe Walley, The NET Gentilly/NOCCA
- Landon Bishop, St. Augustine High School
- Abigail Hu, Benjamin Franklin High School
- Leing Rochez, Booker T. Washington High School
- Lauren Ejiaga, Benjamin Franklin High School
2021
- Danielle Buckingham, University of Mississippi
- Sasha Doster, University of Florida
- Carolyn Rice, Johns Hopkins University
- Marie Sarnacki, Eastern Michigan University
- Norman Storer Corrada, George Washington University
- Shine Trabucco, University of Houston
- Julia Walsh, Southern University at New Orleans
- Lerin Williams, Tulane University
2020
- Shelby Lanoux, Mount Carmel Academy
- Chayla Wolfberg, Tulane University
2019
- Emily Buttita, Tulane University
- Hera Bagdanos, Loyola University New Orleans
- Mariah Bledsoe, Carver College Prep