The Historical Society of Washington, D.C. is a community-supported educational and research organization that collects, interprets, and shares the history of our nation's capital. Founded in 1894, it serves a diverse audience through its collections, exhibits, publications, and educational programs.

Interns will assist the Society’s staff and volunteers through a variety of hands-on projects, such as collections inventory, processing, updating catalog records, and digitization. Other projects include reference assistance, research, writing, and planning for new exhibitions.

The Special Collections interns will report to the Collections Manager. The position is unpaid; however the Society will work with the intern’s college or university to approve academic credit as applicable. Expected time commitment is up to 20 hours per week, with a minimum of 8 hours per week.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and the names of two references to Anne McDonough at [log in to unmask] by Friday, July 26, 2013 for consideration. No phone calls, please. The anticipated start date for this position will be determined based on academic schedule and availability.

Anticipated projects include:

• Inventory: Interns may participate in the inventory of collections currently in the Society’s onsite storage. Information about collections will be entered into Past Perfect 5.0 and incorrect information will be corrected. Interns will assist with moving collections, including packing and re-housing collections as needed.
• Digitization: Interns may work with the collections manager to complete photo orders. Interns will scan and enter metadata; update catalog records; and help create finding aids for collections.
• Archival Processing: Interns may be assigned a specific collection to arrange and describe.
• Reference: Interns may assist with remote reference, revise research guides, and develop new online resources for accessing the Society’s collections.

Minimum Qualifications: Must be currently enrolled in an accredited graduate program working towards a degree in library and information science, museum studies, public history, history or related field. Must have strong research skills and basic knowledge of collections management and the proper handling of objects and archival materials. The candidate must be detail oriented, self-motivated and possess strong organizational skills. Some physical activity such as lifting boxes up to 30 pounds is required. Demonstrated knowledge of Washington history is desired but not required.