Paid Archives Processing Intern — Winter 2027

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 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.