Digital Archives Intern

Southern Arkansas University; Edison (NJ); Hybrid; USD 13,000 - 18,000; Part time

Job summary

An esteemed state library in New Jersey seeks interns for a 10-week hybrid internship to conduct historical research on enslaved people using 18th-century documents. Candidates must be current students or recent graduates from a New Jersey college or university. The role involves reviewing historical articles and creating comprehensive data representations. Applicants are encouraged to submit their resumes and covering letters to join this unique opportunity.

Qualifications

• Must reside in New Jersey.
• Available for a 10-week internship with 15-20 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Review all articles in the New Jersey Gazette (1779-1786).
• Identify references to enslaved people and enslavers.
• Develop a comprehensive spreadsheet with data related to enslaved persons.
• Create a bibliography and reference guide to the identified content.

Education

Current student or recent graduate of a New Jersey college or university

Social Sciences major

Job description

New Jersey Documents and Digital Collections, New Jersey State Library

Career Accelerator Internship Grant Program

15-20 hours per week, $20 per hour, 10-week Summer Internship

Hybrid

Student eligibility: current student or recent graduate of a New Jersey college or university; college student who is a NJ resident

Summary

Thomas Edison State University’s affiliate, the New Jersey State Library, located at 185 W. State St. in Trenton, is a premier research institution dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of New Jersey’s history. This 10‑week hybrid internship combines hands‑on work with 18th‑century documents and remote work with digital collections. The intern will conduct in‑depth historical research using the Revolution‑era newspaper The New Jersey Gazette to chronicle references to enslaved people and their enslavers. The information gathered will be made freely accessible to the public via the library website.

Learning Objectives

• Receive an introduction to history as a scholarly discipline and profession
• Make an advanced exploration into a specific historical topic that nurtures an interest in history and prepares them for a more in‑depth and comprehensive study of the past
• Have an opportunity to work with primary sources in print and digital formats
• Develop written communication skills in the discipline, including proper citation

Responsibilities, Duties, and Projects

• Review all articles in the New Jersey Gazette (1779-1786)
• Identify all references to enslaved people and/or enslavers
• Develop a comprehensive spreadsheet with data related to the enslaved persons
• Create a comprehensive bibliography and reference guide to the identified content

Desired Major(s)

• Social Sciences
• Current NJ undergraduate student
• Current NJ graduate student
• Recent NJ college graduate: must have graduated less than one year prior to start of the internship experience (May 2025-May 2026 graduates)
• A current undergraduate student who is a permanent NJ resident

Application Information

Students should submit a resume, cover letter, and transcript. TESU will process a background screening before hire. Students that have questions about the process can email [e-mail].

Equal Opportunity Statement

The New Jersey State Library, an affiliate of Thomas Edison State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.