This summer, Ethan Espenship, a Senior at Florida State University, interned with the DACOR Bacon House Foundation as a Collections Intern via The Washington Center’s Academic Internship Program. DACOR is an organization of foreign affairs professionals committed to fostering dialogue and understanding around global diplomacy. Their headquarters, the DACOR Bacon House, is a historic landmark and an active space for cultural and educational programs that promote America’s diplomatic heritage.
Share some highlights on your internship at DACOR Bacon House, Ethan.
One of my main projects involved transferring historic artifacts from an exhibit to the storage facility. I carefully cataloged each item – logging object numbers and room locations – so the pieces could be returned and reinstalled exactly as they were. We wrapped artwork in protective foam and labeled each piece with its object ID, ensuring they were preserved with care and accuracy.
Through this internship, I gained valuable experience in database management and the inner workings of a historic house museum. More importantly, I had the opportunity to network with seasoned Foreign Service Officers and hear firsthand about their careers and global experiences. Their stories were inspiring and opened my eyes to what a life in international affairs might look like.
What were some challenges you had to overcome?
Adapting to life in Washington, D.C. was a learning curve. I come from a place where driving is the norm and have rarely used public transit before. The Metro system was intimidating at first, but I quickly found my way by asking locals for help – something that made me feel more welcome and at home in D.C.
Tell us about an incredible experience you had?
One of the most unforgettable moments of my internship was taking a private curator-led tour of the White House. Standing in the very rooms where history was made, I even saw the burn marks left from the War of 1812. It was a surreal experience that made me realize how much history is alive all around us here in the nation’s capital.
Did you receive financial assistance?
This opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without financial support. Thanks to scholarships from the State of Florida and The Washington Center, I was able to reduce the program cost significantly – from $14,000 to just $3,000. Without that support, I wouldn’t have been able to pursue this experience.
Anything you would like to share with us about your internship?
My summer at DACOR gave me hands-on experience in museum collections and connected me with a passionate community committed to diplomacy and public service. It was an experience I’ll never forget.
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