Ely, first you might tell us what it is you think you'd like to do, and then our tips might be more helpful. There are plenty of ways around having no experience, especially if you're able to stay with your parents for a while and don't have to have a hugely well-paying job... Should we assume you're quite interested in working in the history field? Do you want to teach? Research or write? Have you looked into jobs or internships at history museums in the area? For the most part, gone are the days of the unpaid internship... so you could expect some form of remuneration. Alternately, consider taking a "mindless" job on a part-time basis so that you'll have the flexibility of volunteering your time somewhere interesting and relevant to the kind of work you want to do. Of course, that won't help with the health benefits thing, which may be tricky.

If you're being turned down for mindless jobs at Kinko's etc. it's probably because you're "overqualified" or because you're sending out messages of not wanting the job... are you being honest when you interview with them? You know, no need to say you've always wanted to work at Kinko's all your life, just tell them that you're a reliable worker, easily trainable, with a good work ethic who will bring good and valuable qualities to the job while you are there, even though you do hope to ultimately pursue work closer to your field of interest...

Doesn't your college have a career placement center or something equivalent? You could even snoop around the career placement centers (or history departments) of other colleges near you, look at their bulletin boards, etc. for postings.

Good luck, and just keep putting yourself out there, even for things that seem like a long shot. Strike up conversations with strangers in the supermarket or on the bus (the more people know you're looking for a job, the better).

Margaret