Manuscript Processing Intern
Job Description
This internship is a hands-on, physical processing project. The intern will work directly with historical materials to arrange and describe original documents to prepare them for long-term preservation and researcher access.
Responsibilities will include creating a processing plan, assessing and applying basic preservation measures as needed, identifying appropriate subject and name headings for both the finding aid and library catalog record, and creating a promotional social media post to highlight the collection.
Under the guidance of their supervisor, the intern will create a DACS-compliant finding aid using ArchivesSpace. The completed finding aid will be made publicly accessible to support research and discovery. This is an on-site, hands-on archival processing internship, during which the intern will be responsible for tasks related to the physical and intellectual arrangement and handling of sensitive materials.
Internship Qualifications: Preference might be given to current students or recent graduates in an MLIS or MLS program. Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills. The ability to read cursive handwriting is a plus. Please note that this position is in Rowley, MA, and reliable transportation is required.
The Fall Internship Program will run from September 10 through December 14, 2026, or through an alternate end date agreed upon by the intern and hiring manager. A mandatory in-person orientation will be held at the museum on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Interns are also required to participate in professional development sessions typically held on Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. through December 3, 2026. Please note that session times are subject to change, and some sessions may be offered in a hybrid format.
This internship provides a $2,000 stipend and requires the completion of 180 hours, which includes participation in professional development programming. This equates to approximately 15 onsite hours per week over the course of twelve weeks. All internships are fully in person and take place on site. Please note the location where each internship will take place.
This internship is a hands-on, physical processing project. The intern will work directly with historical materials to arrange and describe original documents to prepare them for long-term preservation and researcher access.
Responsibilities will include creating a processing plan, assessing and applying basic preservation measures as needed, identifying appropriate subject and name headings for both the finding aid and library catalog record, and creating a promotional social media post to highlight the collection.
Under the guidance of their supervisor, the intern will create a DACS-compliant finding aid using ArchivesSpace. The completed finding aid will be made publicly accessible to support research and discovery. This is an on-site, hands-on archival processing internship, during which the intern will be responsible for tasks related to the physical and intellectual arrangement and handling of sensitive materials.
Internship Qualifications: Preference might be given to current students or recent graduates in an MLIS or MLS program. Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills. The ability to read cursive handwriting is a plus. Please note that this position is in Rowley, MA, and reliable transportation is required.
The Fall Internship Program will run from September 10 through December 14, 2026, or through an alternate end date agreed upon by the intern and hiring manager. A mandatory in-person orientation will be held at the museum on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Interns are also required to participate in professional development sessions typically held on Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. through December 3, 2026. Please note that session times are subject to change, and some sessions may be offered in a hybrid format.
This internship provides a $2,000 stipend and requires the completion of 180 hours, which includes participation in professional development programming. This equates to approximately 15 onsite hours per week over the course of twelve weeks. All internships are fully in person and take place on site. Please note the location where each internship will take place.
About Peabody Essex Museum
PEM boldly honors creativity as a nourishing force in people’s lives.
We offer thought-provoking experiences of the arts, humanities and sciences to activate understanding of our shared humanity and to empower imagination and learning through experimentation. We steward, build and make our collections accessible to encourage appreciation of the interconnected histories and creativity of people in our complex, always changing world.
As a museum that celebrates creativity to advance our shared humanity, we aspire to be an inclusive, equitable cultural organization that motivates, connects, and empowers people through inquiry, empathy, and dialogue. We strive to create and sustain a sense of belonging and to nurture our ability to build bridges.
We acknowledge that the role of global trade in PEM’s predecessor organizations warrants careful consideration. We commit to being aware and appreciative of differences in order to prevent overlooking, hurting, or excluding anyone. We will continue to work purposefully to remove barriers, whether physical, emotional, or social, so that PEM offers everyone welcoming spaces and experiences where they feel seen, heard, and treated with dignity and respect.
Everyone at PEM has a role to play in bringing this commitment to life. We will use this commitment statement as a guide in our ongoing work, which includes sharing the accomplishments, setbacks, and challenges of our DEIA journey.
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