Archives Processing Intern The Henry Ford

Collections That Care; Dearborn (MI); Hybrid; USD 23,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

The Henry Ford in Dearborn, MI offers an Archives Processing Internship to organize, describe, and preserve archival collections ahead of its 100th anniversary. You will inventory materials, prepare collection descriptions, improve storage, and update catalog records under experienced staff guidance.

You'll gain practical archival processing experience, strengthen research access, and participate in orientation and professional development activities while working onsite in the Dearborn campus

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a college or university program in history, English, information science, archival studies, or a related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Familiar with archival practices and Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS).
• Experience processing archival collections through coursework, volunteer work, or employment.
• Full Wednesday availability from 9am-5pm for required internship programming.

Responsibilities

• Review archival materials and create detailed collection inventories under staff guidance.
• Help arrange materials according to established archival practices and project guidelines.
• Prepare finding aids that describe collection contents and help researchers locate materials.
• Rehouse archival materials to improve preservation, organization, and accessibility.
• Review work with Archives staff and incorporate feedback to maintain accurate and consistent documentation.
• Collaborate with the Archives and Library team and learn about related collections work.
• Participate in required internship orientation and professional development activities.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Clear writing

Education

History / English / Information Science / Archival Studies program

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Summary

The Archives Processing Intern will help organize, describe, and preserve Edison Institute archival collections in preparation for The Henry Ford’s 100th anniversary. Working alongside Archives and Library staff, the intern will inventory materials, prepare collection descriptions, improve storage, and update catalog records. This internship offers practical experience in archival processing and helps make the institution’s history accessible for research and discovery.

Essential Responsibilities

• Review archival materials and create detailed collection inventories under staff guidance
• Help arrange materials according to established archival practices and project guidelines
• Prepare finding aids that describe collection contents and help researchers locate materials
• Rehouse archival materials to improve preservation, organization, and accessibility
• Review work with Archives staff and incorporate feedback to maintain accurate and consistent documentation
• Collaborate with the Archives and Library team and learn about related collections work
• Participate in required internship orientation and professional development activities

Key Details

Compensation: $17–$20/hour

Duration:15 weeks (January 25–May 7, 2027)

Schedule:PT

Deadline:November 5, 2026 (11:59PM)

Eligibility

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a college or university program in history, English, information science, archival studies, or a related field
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel
• Familiar with archival practices and Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)
• Experience processing archival collections through coursework, volunteer work, or employment
• Full Wednesday availability from 9am-5pm for required internship programming

Special Skills

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Clear writing skills and the ability to summarize historical materials accurately
• Ability to follow project guidelines, work independently on assigned tasks, and seek guidance when needed
• Interest in archival collections, preservation, and historical research

Physical/Mental/Environment

• Physical: Work involves handling archival materials and lifting or moving boxes weighing up to 30 pounds
• Mental: Requires sustained concentration, careful reading, organization, and attention to detail when describing materials and maintaining records
• Environment: Work is performed onsite in archival processing and storage areas on The Henry Ford’s Dearborn campus

About

The Henry Ford is a globally recognized cultural institution that provides unique educational experiences based on authentic objects, stories and lives from America’s traditions of ingenuity, resourcefulness and innovation.