Internships at Archives

Usually under the direction of a senior archivist, the intern is introduced to the basic principles of archival administration and information management.  They assist with the preservation of documents, photographs, architectural records, etc.

Some interns perform collection management functions, others assist staff and outside scholars with the use of records, respond to inquiries (in person and in writing) regarding specific collections, and assist with the circulation and filing of new documents.  Additionally, interns research reference and exhibition histories for a specific group of objects, integrating their findings into existing files.  Further duties often include updating research databases.

 

Archives of American Art
F and 8th Street, N.W.
Room 331, MRC 216
Smithsonian Institution
Washington, D.C. 20560
(202) 357-2781

Interns catalog personal papers of American artists, dealers and critics, as well as create finding aids and prepare descriptions for archival guides.

Maryland State Archives
350 Rowe Boulevard
Annapolis, MD 21401
MD toll free (800) 235-4045 or (410) 260-6400
fax: (410) 974-3895
email: archives@mdarchives.state.md.us
web site: www.mdarchives.state.md.us

Each summer, paid internships are offered for college students to learn archival and historical methods at the State Archives. Each semester research internships for credit are available to college and high school students. The Maryland State Archives is an Anne Arundel County school mentorship sponsor. Unpaid internships are also available throughout the academic year. Interns will engage in a variety of activities related to processing, managing, and interpreting archival collections. Individual intern assignments will vary, but duties may include research, writing, web design, electronic imaging, computer programming, record stripping, and accessioning. The intern program includes a heavy focus on the application of computer technology to both the historical method and archival practice. Some assignments may require periodic off-site work.

For more details on both paid and unpaid opportunities, please see:
 http://mdsa.net/msa/educ/html/interns.html

Contact information:
The Maryland State Archives
Hall of Records Building
350 Rowe Blvd.
Annapolis, MD 21401

Attention: Internship Coordinator
phone: 410-260-6443
fax: 410-974-3895
email: emilyo@mdsa.net

National Archives and Records Administration
8th and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20408
Contact: Mary Rephlo, Staff Development Officer
 
Interns assist staff in providing service to the public, responding to public inquiries in the Central Research Room and the Microfilm Reading Room.  Likewise, interns assist in the consultant's office by answering questions and providing guidance to researchers, answering basic research questions, referring researchers to the proper reference units, and registering researchers for research cards.
Additional duties include collection management procedures, such as filing, re-foldering and re-boxing selected series. Interns update databases, create finding aids, prepare microfilm publications; they assist in the preparation of accessioned microfilm for conversion to a National Archives microfilm publication; they scan film to determine content, and prepare written descriptions of the pertinent information.
    
Through the Center for Legislative Archives, interns assist in the development of histories of the Senate and House Committees.  Interns work with staff to provide reference services to congressional scholars, and the public at large.