Archival Internship at the National Archives in Chicago (7358 South Pulaski Road)
Voluntary Internship Program, Fall 2025
30 or more hours per week, 12 week program (see date options below)
Internship (unpaid or for academic credit)
3 internships available
Job Description:
Interns will arrange and describe records, digitize records, and perform basic preservation tasks on records. The intern will also have some opportunities to help with reference as well.
Professional Development Opportunities:
In addition to obtaining hands on experience processing and digitizing 19th and 20th Century records, the intern will be able to observe how a small staff is able to manage over 130,000 cubic feet of records and answer thousands of reference requests in a timely manner.
The intern will also be able to participate in all staff meetings and staff development programs that take place during their tour.
Work Environment:
Most of the work will be sedentary nature, although the intern may need to assist with moving multiple 50 pound boxes related to assigned projects.
The room where records are worked on is clean, but many of the records may be dirty.
Interns will have regular access to a shared NARA computer workstation.
Educational Level/Program: Current or former bachelor's degree or graduate student Degree program in history, museum studies, library science, or a related field
Education & Qualifications Requirements:
Eligibility Requirements
Current high school, undergraduate, and graduate students
Former students who graduated within the past two (2) years
U.S. citizenship
Must complete a background check
Must be at least 18 years old
Physically able to climb 15-foot ladders and work with boxes weighing up to 50 pounds
Can work independently and effectively
Can balance multiple deadline-driven tasks or projects simultaneously
Attention to detail
Internship Date Options
9/15/2025 through 12/5/2025
9/22/2025 through 12/12/2025
Weekly Schedule Options: 30 hours or more per week
Area(s) of Interest: Archival Processing, Reference Services
For more information and to apply: https://www.archives.gov/careers/internships/vip-opportunities-fall-2025
Application deadline: July 11, 2025 (online application says July 18)