2027 Archives Spring Intern

awe; Bentonville (AR); On-site; USD 17,000 - 19,000; Part time

Job summary

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas invites applications for the 2027 Archives Spring Intern. Under the supervision of the Senior Manager of Research and Scholarship and the Assistant Archivist, you will gain hands-on experience in arrangement, digitization, and description of archival collections, primarily born-digital materials.

This on-site internship emphasizes initiative, collaboration, and attention to detail as you assist with processing Institutional Archives

Qualifications

• Academic background in library or information science, art history, or a related field.
• Superior oral and written communication skills.
• Dependable and punctual.
• Knowledge of Microsoft apps; familiarity with archival databases is a plus.
• Background check required; maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Assist Library and Archives staff with arrangement and stabilization of physical records by creating inventories, research, and rehousing.
• Digitize archival records; name, describe, and organize digital files.
• Assist in creating archival database records and collection finding aids.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Excellent communication

Dependable and punctual

Attention to detail

Education

Library or information science

Art history

Tools

ArchivEra

Digitization equipment

Job description

The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges is a public non-profit charitable organization.

Job Description:

Job Title: 2027 Archives Spring Intern

Reports to: Senior Manager of Research and Scholarship and Assistant Archivist

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Location: Bentonville, Arkansas (On-site)

Date Reviewed: 09/15/2026

About Crystal Bridges & The Momentary

Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non-profit charitable organization with free admission. In June 2026, Crystal Bridges' 114,000 square foot expansion opened to the public, allowing the museum to expand access for all.

The Momentary is a venue for the music, art, and food of our time, and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality. An extension to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary is a 'living room' where community gathers to be inspired, connected, and joyful. The Momentary enriches lives through music, art, and food experiences that inspire creativity, build community, and create joy. You belong here, make the most of this moment.

Position Summary

The Archives Intern will assist with the arrangement, digitization, and description of archival collections, gaining hands‑on experience in an art museum setting. Working under the Assistant Archivist, the Intern will help process the Institutional Archives, comprising primarily born‑digital materials. The Intern will also assist the Assistant Archivist with other duties that align with the priorities of the Crystal Bridges archives.

The ideal candidate is passionate about archives, art history, American history, and/or digital innovation. Applicants should be willing to acquire knowledge, take initiative, solve problems, and collaborate effectively

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist Library and Archives staff with the assessment, arrangement, and stabilization of physical records by creating inventories, conducting research, and rehousing materials
• Digitize archival records; name, describe, and organize digital files
• Assist in the creation of archival database records and collection finding aids
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Requirements

• Academic background in library or information science, art history, or a related field
• Superior oral and written communication skills
• Dependable and punctual
• Knowledge of Microsoft apps is required; familiarity with archival databases (the museum uses ArchivEra) and digitization equipment/software is a plus
• A background check is required
• Must maintain confidentiality of all non-public museum information
• Possible course credit can be negotiated with Intern's departmental supervisor

Timeline

• Anticipated Start Date: January 25, 2027
• Anticipated End Date: April 30, 2027

Inclement Weather Dates: February 1, 2027-April 30, 2027

Schedule

• Weekly schedule to be arranged with direct supervisor

To qualify for bachelor's or master's hours, you must be enrolled in an accredited program or have graduated from an accredited program within the past three years. Students are required to submit a current schedule or an official transcript.

Compensation

• High School Interns: $12.00
• Undergraduate Students: $13.00
• Graduate Students: $14.00

To qualify for bachelor's or master's compensation, applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited program or have graduated from one within the past three years. A current class schedule or official transcript must be submitted for verification.

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Cover Letter Questions

• Question 1: What interests you about working with archival collections, historical materials, and primary sources, and what do you hope to learn through this internship?
• Question 2: Archival work requires organization, accuracy, attention to detail, and patience. Describe an experience where you used these skills to complete a project or manage information.
• Question 3: This internship may involve processing collections, conducting research, digitizing materials, and creating or updating archival records. Which of these areas are you most interested in exploring, and how does this opportunity connect to your academic or professional goals?
• Resume

Housing

Housing for internship positions is contingent upon the availability of funding and is not guaranteed. Internships that include housing will explicitly state this in both the position title and the position description. Any housing and/or relocation assistance provided is considered taxable income and will be reported on the intern’s Form W-2. When housing is available, only students whose primary residence is more than 150 miles or three hours from either Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art or the Momentary will be considered.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those required by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Physical Demands: In the work environment described, the position requires utilizing a computer and a telephone for prolonged periods of time and good eye/hand coordination, bending and stretching, and physical stamina to lift and transport a minimum of 10 pounds. Visual acuity to review written materials is required for this job.

Work Environment: Work is performed on-site (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.) in a professional, climate-controlled office environment within a museum setting with standard office equipment, including computers, printers, and telephones. This role requires working in an open setting near colleagues. The noise level is typically low to moderate. The role also requires regular interaction with both the public and internal team members in a professional and courteous manner. Some local travel will be required, and a flexible schedule may be necessary to accommodate business needs, including occasional evening and weekend work hours.

All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States.

Crystal Bridges is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.