Intern - Undergraduate Archival Processing

TITLE: Intern - Undergraduate Archival Posting Intern

LOCATION: History Center - 345 W Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102

COMPENSATION: Typical starting salary $16.50 hourly 

HOURS: This is a part-time, temporary position from approximately September 14, 2026 to December 20, 2026. A part-time intern must be available to work 15 hours per week. This position offers a flexible work schedule, coordinated with the intern’s school schedule and operational needs. Preferred working hours are 5 hour shifts scheduled between 9-5.

POSTING DATE: June 26, 2026

DEADLINE DATE: July 14, 2026

SEMINAR EVENTS: Interns are required to participate in three, in-person seminars focused on professional development, learning how cultural organizations operate, and building a network of industry professionals. At the end of the semester, interns complete a final presentation to share their work.

           Please ensure you are available for these dates when applying:

• Thursday, September 24 from 11:30am-1:00pm

• Thursday, October 15 

• Thursday, November 12 from 2:00pm-4:00pm

• Final Presentations: Thursday, December 17 from 11:00am-1:00pm

TO APPLY: Interested applicants must apply online at the Minnesota Historical Society’s career center at www.mnhs.org/jobs and include a cover letter, resume, and any required additional materials by the application deadline date.  

APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE: 

• PDF copy of unofficial transcript

DESCRIPTION:  This intern will assist the ingestion of paper-based, PDF and Word legacy finding aids into the ASpace database.  These interns may also assist the ASpace Migration Team with QC checking finding aids on an as-needed basis.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Introduction to Data Entry & Description (50%): 1) ArchivesSpace Data Input: Learn to use the ArchivesSpace interface to type up and organize collection inventories (box and folder lists); 2) Finding Aid Creation: Under supervision, assist in drafting basic descriptions and historical summaries for specific archival folders or small collections; 3) Data Cleanup: Help update older, typed paper inventories or spreadsheet data and move them into the modern ArchivesSpace system.

Collection Handling & Preservation (40%): 4) Assist with the physical processing of collections, which includes sorting historical materials chronologically or topically; 5) Re-house old, fragile materials into acid-free folders and specialized archival boxes to ensure their long-term survival; 6) Identify and remove damaging physical fasteners such as rusted paperclips, staples, and degrading rubber bands.

Mentorship & Professional Development (10%): 7) Shadow archive staff to learn about different aspects of the profession (e.g., digitization, reference services, and public exhibits); 8) Complete a short, final reflection or presentation about the collection worked on during the semester.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student, or have graduated within the past 12 months at the time of application.

• Ideal candidates might be currently pursuing, or a graduate with a degree in the following areas: History, English, Art History, Anthropology, Computer Science, or Digital Humanities are highly encouraged to apply, though all majors are welcome.   

• Prior archival or library experience is not required; comprehensive, step-by-step training will be provided.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when typing and entering data.

• Curiosity about history and a desire to learn about cultural preservation.

• Comfortable working on a computer and learning new software interfaces.

• Ability to follow detailed, written instructions and ask questions when clarification is needed. 

Should you have questions with the application process, email internships@mnhs.org or call 651-259-3191.   

At MNHS, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our employees, interns, volunteers, our products and services, and our community. The Minnesota Historical Society believes that an inclusive culture among our team members is critical to our success as a historical society and museum, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and employer.