Summer Internship Takes Andrew Kercher, '12, Back in Time

Few internship experiences allow students to fire musket rifles and cannons on a daily basis.  However, last summer Fordie Andrew Kercher, '12, suited up in a redcoat and served in the King's Eighth Regiment of Foot as part of a reenactment at Fort Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City.  He served as a historic interpreter at the fort, which was established in 1715 and is now part of the Mackinac State Historic Parks, welcoming tourists from around the world.

Andrew, who has a dual major in History and Philosophy, said the experience working at the fort confirmed his desire to pursue a career in interpretive history.  He ultimately wants to work at a living museum as a lead interpreter and curator.  He likes the concept of a living museum because the exhibits "connect with people and they truly experience it."  At Fort Michilimackinac, he showed tourists what it was like to live in an 18th century fort along the Straits of Mackinac.  Not only did Andrew serve as a soldier in the King's army, but he also played other roles such as a French civilian fur trader and a blacksmith.  He even performed weddings as Father Pierre Gibault, the fort's visiting Catholic priest.

Back on campus, he is very active in the community, serving as a member of the British Eighth Marching Band, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and treasurer of the Nwagni Project- a student run organization that has raised over $25,000 to support schools and families in the village of Batchingou, Cameroon.

Originally from Port Huron, MI, Andrew believes he has truly benefited from an Albion College education.  "Albion allowed me to do things that I really wanted to do, but it also afforded me opportunities to try something totally different as well!"