Summer Internship Report: Andrew Broedel (’14)

Andrew Broedel was an intern with the American Institute of Architects at the Octagon Museum in Washington, D.C. this past  summer. Only two blocks from the White House, the Octagon stands amid the urban sprawl of Washington as a witness to the city’s creation. This unique internship provided Andrew with an opportunity to bring a hands-on approach to the study an area of history outside of his focus.

At the Octagon, Andrew’s duties included: research, writing, editing, and guiding tours. His research and writing involved the War of 1812, the Treaty of Ghent, James and Dolley Madison, and the Octagon’s ghostly legends. He also had the opportunity to interpret and design exhibits as well as represent the museum at meetings in places such as the Federal Reserve and the Department of the Treasury. Andrew organized and coordinated public events such as “Tea with Dolley” and a Junior Historians camp for the Daughters of the American Revolution and the National Park Service.

Andrew received three credits equivalent to a 300 level history course for his internship. Every week he did a blog post on UMW blogs recounting his weekly experience. These posts can be found at http://octagon.umwblogs.org/. Andrew wrote a research paper for the Octagon on the Treaty of Ghent which will be published on the Octagon’s website. Andrew has been asked to come back to the Octagon in October to coordinate an overnight ghost event. He will also be assisting the Octagon with further event planning throughout the fall. Andrew is entering his senior year at Mary Washington.