Naval Museum staff showcase museum operations at internship fair

Photo By Max Lonzanida | Darcy Sink, Volunteer Coordinator with the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, distributes information and fields questions from students at Old Dominion University’s Strome Entrepreneurial Center (SEC). Sink, and Max Lonzanida, the museum’s Public Affairs Officer, were exhibitors an internship fair sponsored by the Old Dominion University’s Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. The goal of the internship fair was to allow students to network with practitioners in the field, and to gain an understanding of strategic communications, marketing, and public relations as a whole; and to explore career options. The fair event was coordinated by Alice Jones, Associate Director with the Student and Alumni Programs at ODU’s Career Development Services and by Samaria Bingham, Vice-President of the ODU Chapter of the PRSSA. (US Navy Photo by Max Lonzanida/Released)  

NORFOLK, VA, UNITED STATES

10.18.2018

Story by Max Lonzanida  

Naval History and Heritage Command

Old Dominion University’s Strome Entrepreneurial Center hosted a plethora of both private sector, non-profit and public sector exhibitors during an internship fair this afternoon. Exhibitors included the Norfolk Emerging Leaders Program, Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Virginia, the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, Virginia Beach Public Libraries, and many other exhibitors with the goal of providing students an opportunity to network and seek out internship opportunities. The event was spearheaded by Samaria Bingham, head of planning for this year’s fair. Bingham is the Vice President of ODU’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. Alice Jones, Associate Director of Student and Alumni Programs at ODU’s Career Development Services also aided in planning the event; which was well attended by students from their Communications Program.

The only federal exhibitor at the event was the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, which is part of the Naval History and Heritage Command. Darcy Sink, their Volunteer Coordinator, was on-hand fielding numerous questions regarding internship opportunities with the museum. Also on hand was the museum’s Public Affairs Officer, Max Lonzanida. Lonzanida, a 2007 Alumni of Old Dominion University’s English and Criminal Justice Programs, provided some perspectives on marketing, photo journalism, writing for news media, writing for social media and the web, and strategic communications as a whole.

According to Sink, “an internship with the Hampton Roads Naval Museum offers a window into federal employment and well as providing an opportunity to gain hands on experience in the field.” Sink further added that the museum is “committed to aligning the students’ internship experience with academic and career goals.”

During the internship fair, about 200 students signed in and a vast majority of those students stopped by the museum’s exhibitor table. Many realized that external relations within a museum involved more than just showcasing the artifacts behind the plexi-glass for visitors to see. Lonzanida indicated that the museum offers educational programs available to both public schools and military commands, military ceremonies aboard the USS Wisconsin (BB-64) and in their galleries, hosts visitors from near and far, hosts special events with a historic perspective, and veterans who bring their unique experiences. Lonzanida also pointed out some of the articles and news coverage for special events; which has been placed in both local and national media outlets. He showcased some of the published work that the museum produces, such as their Daybook Journal, the museum’s robust weekly blog, and the various marketing brochures that are available. He also pointed out the oral histories that the museum’s Educational Director, Laura Orr spearheaded; which involved interviewing Vietnam veterans and filming for the upcoming new exhibit which chronicles the US Navy’s involvement in the Vietnam War. Lonzanida added that all of those involve, in large part, a form of strategic communication which is geared to inform an audience, provide some insight into the past, and inspire the next generation of public relations practitioners.

About the Public Relations Student Society of America:

Founded in 1968 at Ohio University, the Public Relations Student Society of America is now made up of more than 11,000 students and advisers organized into over 300 chapters across the United States, Argentina, Colombia and Peru.

About the Hampton Roads PRSA:

Founded in 1983, The Hampton Roads Virginia Chapter of PRSA serves 175 public relations professionals in the greater Hampton Roads region with professional development programs, resources and services. It is the sponsoring chapter for the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter at Old Dominion University.

About the Hampton Roads Naval Museum:

The Hampton Roads Naval Museum is one of ten Navy museums that are operated by the Naval History & Heritage Command. It celebrates the long history of the U.S. Navy in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia and is co-located with Nauticus in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. Admission to the museum is free, simply by-pass the ticket line and take the stairs or elevator to the museum on the second deck. The museum hosts a robust educational program for area schools and commands, with free educational programs to area schools aligned with state curriculum standards, a travelling sea chest program, a premier Lego outreach program, and historical presentations for area commands. To inquire, contact their Educational Director, Laura Orr at [e-mail] or at [phone]. The museum is also host to a robust volunteer corps, who serve as docents, support special events, and assist in museum archives. To inquire, contact their Volunteer Coordinator, Darcy Sink at [e-mail] or at [phone]. Lastly the museum proudly hosts military ceremonies, such as re-enlistments, retirements, and promotions for area commands aboard the U.S.S Wisconsin and in the museum’s gallery. To inquire, contact their special events coordinator, Tom Dandes at [e-mail] or call [phone].

• Date Taken: 10.18.2018
• Date Posted: 10.18.2018 16:19
• Story ID: 296945
• Location: NORFOLK, VA, US