Archival Internship

NOTE: Applications submitted through Handshake will NOT be considered.

Desired Majors and Areas of Study: History, Archival Studies, Museum Studies, African American Studies, Library Science

The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) archival collections reside within the Office of Collections Management (OCM) which is responsible for the physical care and long-term preservation of the museum’s collections. Since its formal establishment in 2015, the NMAAHC Archives has rapidly expanded its holdings, acquiring materials of national and cultural significance. Some of these collections were originally integrated with museum objects and later identified as essential resources for exhibitions, public programming, and scholarly research. Archival material is defined as collected information that has proven to be resistant to deterioration over time while retaining its content and value. These types of materials include (but are not limited to): reports, dairies, books, ledgers, photos, maps, etc. The NMAAHC archival collections are designated by the NMAAHC Archivist or in consultation with the archivist prior to the acquisition process. In some cases, previously accessioned collection items catalogued individually can be re-evaluated and re-classifed as archival collections by the archivist or in consultation with the curator of record.

The NMAAHC Archives is seeking a motivated intern to support a vital archival initiative: “Holding Memory, Honoring Visibility: Research and Description of NMAAHC Archival Collections”. This project focuses on researching, processing, and enhancing access to archival collections that reflect the historical impact and enduring legacy of African Americans across the NMAAHC Archives.

The selected Archival Intern will contribute to the long-term goal of processing these collections for digitization, online access, and potential exhibition, helping ensure their broader visibility and usability.

This internship provides a unique opportunity for hands-on experience with archival research, metadata creation, and collection management, all within the context of one of the world’s foremost cultural institutions. The intern can anticipate learning: 

• Advanced research skills with a focus on African American history, urban studies, and cultural heritage documentation.
• Understanding and application of best practices in archival processing, arrangement, and description.
• Gaining proficiency in professional tools used in museums and archives, including ArchiveSpace and TMS.
• Producing high-quality technical writing and descriptive content aligned with archival standards (e.g., DACS).
• Building professional competencies in collaborative work environments and cultural heritage stewardship.

Applicants should possess demonstrated interest in African American history or cultural heritage; strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills; experience working with historical documents and primary source materials preferred; familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace; experience with TMS or ArchiveSpace is a plus but not required.

Duties Include (but are not limited to):

• Conduct historical and contextual research on individuals and organizations with significant influence on African American contributions to the built environment and cultural heritage.
• Assist in the arrangement and description of archival materials, with a focus on developing finding aids and enhanced metadata.
• Create bio-bibliographic profiles and reference guides using reputable primary and secondary sources.
• Support data entry and updates within archival and museum systems, including ArchiveSpace and The Museum System (TMS).
• Conduct historical and contextual research on individuals and organizations with significant influence on African American contributions to the built environment and cultural heritage.
• Assist in the arrangement and description of archival materials, with a focus on developing finding aids and enhanced metadata.
• Create bio-bibliographic profiles and reference guides using reputable primary and secondary sources.
• Support data entry and updates within archival and museum systems, including ArchiveSpace and The Museum System (TMS).