Summer Internship Program
Horseshoe Bay Farms Intern Program: Summer 2026
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 one full-time intern for the summer of 2026, 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 these key areas:
Non-profit management and program development
History, archiving, and social archaeology
Marketing
Communications
Education
Public Administration
Intern Responsibilities
The intern will play a hands-on, dynamic role at Horseshoe Bay Farms, working closely with the Program Coordinator to support events, historical preservation, community engagement, and day-to-day operations. This position is designed for a flexible, adaptable candidate who is eager to learn, take initiative, and assist wherever needed throughout the season.
The intern will help plan and execute farm events that bring together past participants and community members. Responsibilities may include assisting with event logistics, coordinating schedules, supporting volunteer coordination, and assisting with on-site activities. The intern will also support oral history and artifact collection efforts by helping record oral histories, scanning and photographing artifacts, and organizing materials for historical preservation.
In addition to shared responsibilities, the intern will take primary responsibility for one event during the season, working closely with the Program Coordinator, board members, or key volunteers. This may include developing and executing a Boys and Girls Club visit, or helping expand and enhance recurring events like Dahlia Days, Family Fun Day, or our annual Car Show.
The intern will also be responsible for one major project aligned with their interests or academic background, to be completed by the end of the summer. Potential projects include researching and drafting grant applications for farm building renovations, developing an archival or historical materials program, strengthening community partnerships, creating and implementing a media outreach plan, enhancing the farm tour experience through improved signage and educational resources, or developing new programming aimed at engaging children and the community.
This internship is ideal for a candidate who is comfortable wearing many hats, working collaboratively with the Program Coordinator and Board Members, while also contributing to a wide range of projects that support the farm’s mission, history, and community impact..
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.
Tour Guide: Become a tour guide and help expand our historical narrative to the community along with tourists.
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.
Start Date: May 18th (flexible)
End Date: August 23rd (flexible)
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 11-12), Memorial Day Weekend and Father’s Day off.
Compensation
Hourly rate: $15/hour.
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.