Intern Archives Processing

Colonial Group; Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Job summary

The Henry Ford in Dearborn offers a 15-week Winter 2027 Archives Processing Internship from January 25 to May 7, 2027. Orientation on January 25 is mandatory and interns will assist with organizing, describing, and preserving archival collections.

You will work with Archives and Library staff to inventory materials, prepare finding aids, improve storage, and update catalog records, gaining practical experience in archival processing and enabling research access.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a college/university program in history, English, information science, archival studies, or 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 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

Word

Excel

DACS

Archival processing

Education

Current student or recent graduate in history / English / information science / archival studies

Job description

The 15-week Winter 2027 internship runs January 25–May 7, 2027. Attendance at orientation on January 25 is mandatory.

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

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 neededInterest in archival collections, preservation, and historical research

Physical/Mental/Environmental

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

Internship Program Compensation

Interns are paid under the following paygrades:

• First year intern in school (undergraduate or trade): $17.00
• First year intern with completed degree (undergraduate or trade): $18.00
• Graduate school and postgraduates: $20.00

Applications will be accepted through November 5th, 2026.