The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation awards several paid archival internships each year to undergraduate and graduate students majoring in history, government, archival administration, library science, English, journalism, communications and other related disciplines.
Interns in the Library's Textual Archives participate in a wide variety of projects under the direction of professional archivists. Projects include clerical, preservation, processing, and reference work with the papers of President Kennedy, his administration, his associates and contemporaries and the papers of Ernest Hemingway. Interns may also participate in the preparation, scanning, and possible entry of metadata involved in a large-scale digitization process, where they will be introduced to theories and practices surrounding content management and digital asset management systems. Students gain career-relevant archival experience in a Presidential Library while contributing to the work of the institution.
The Audiovisual Archives offers students exposure to the expanding field of audiovisual technology, with its video editing suite, still photo scanning station, film cold storage vault, and audio and video duplicating facilities. Supervised projects include providing reference service to researchers, audio and video tape logging and duplication, still photo and film cataloging and arrangement, preservation work, and some clerical duties.
Interns in the Museum Collections Department engage in team and individual projects focused on collection management, conservation, and exhibit development. While working with the Library's three-dimensional collection, students gain experience in museum registration, collection documentation, and exhibit preparation.
To be considered for summer internships, completed application forms (pdf) should be submitted by February 25 for review and notification of selection by April 1. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered for a summer internship. A limited number of additional internships may open up during the fall, winter, and spring as funds and positions become available. Applicants for these positions will be accepted and internships will awarded on a continuous basis, depending on the needs of the staff.
The Library requires that interns make a minimum commitment of 12 hours per week. Interns are paid at the rate of $12.50 per hour. The Library will also consider proposals for unpaid internships, independent study projects, work-study employment, and internships undertaken for academic credit. Internships are available to United States citizens or resident aliens who have a Social Security number.
To apply, please submit a completed application form (pdf), a resume, one letter of recommendation, and a copy of your current college transcript to:
Archival Internships
c/o Intern Coordinator
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Columbia Point
Boston, MA 02125-3313
For additional information or to request an application, please call (617) 514-1600 or E-mail Kennedy.Library@nara.gov. All written requests for information or an application must be typed.