Mia,
It sounds as though you and I are twins!  I also have a BA and MA in American History and thought for sure I would be a shoe in for a job, but I was mistaken!  Desparately seeking museum employment I started working part time giving tours in Old Town Alexandria, VA and eventually starting volunteering with the collections.  I also started the Museum Collections Management and Care Certificate Program at George Washington University.  This program has been great because it is all online and therefor can be done from your Boston location and the best part is, no internships.  You do have to have access to a museum collections so my suggestion would be to go out and try to find a small local museum that is seeking volunteers.  It's not ideal but it's a great way to get a start.  Most will only require you to volunteer once a month.  This way you get a bit of museum experience. 
Good luck,
Gretchen

----- Original Message -----
From: Mia <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Thursday, July 31, 2008 11:45 am
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] questions about certificates/jobs
To: [log in to unmask]


> Hello:
>  
>  I have been reading through the archives and have some questions 
> about museum jobs and certificates. I know there is no one right 
> answer, but would love to hear opinions from others.
>  
>  I have both a BA and MA in American history and have completed two 
> internships during undergrad. I have been working as an admin in an 
> unrelated area for the past few years but really want to get back into 
> a history museum. Do you think obtaining a certificate is worth my 
> while and will help my chances in landing a job?
>  
>  I have found two certificates in the Boston area: Tufts Univ and 
> Regis College. Has anyone heard about the Regis certificate? It 
> requires 4 classes and 2 internships. Are there any others in this area?
>  
>  What is the average pay range for starting out in the Boston area ?I 
> know of several small museums in the surrounding towns. Do you think 
> there are more opportunities in this general area, or is there more competition?
>  
>  Any other info welcome and appreciated.
>  
>  Thank you so much!
>  
>  -Mia
>  
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