Classification: Internship (100% in person); non-exempt
Reports to: Archivist & Digital Collections Coordinator
Salary: $18-$20 per hour, depending on experience
Job Summary: The Archives Intern plays an integral role in increasing access to archival collections to NRF stakeholders, including NRF employees, researchers, students, and the community at large. The intern will assist the NRF Archivist and Digital Collections coordinator in processing a large collection of photographs ranging in date from the late 1800s to the present. This is a multiphase project that involves rehousing, indexing, and digitizing the collection. Additionally, the intern will be tasked with some research inquiries to support the creation of museum exhibits.
The intern will gain firsthand experience working with archival materials, learn best practices for digitization, and write a DACS compliant finding aid. The intern will also gain experience in research and assist with the creation of museum exhibits. They may participate in department meetings, attend museum tours, and learn about historic preservation.
This position is part of a larger phased project to arrange, describe, and improve accessibility to NRF’s archival collections.
About the NRF Archives:
The NRF archives consist of collections ranging in date from 1736 to the present. The bulk of the collections are NRF’s institutional records. These records document the central role NRF played in shaping Newport during a period of urban redevelopment in the late 1960s and 1970s. Additionally, the archives house personal papers related to Doris Duke, Newport families, and the Rough Point Mansion. The types of media contained in the archives include architectural drawings, born digital records, business records, correspondence, and photographs.
It is the long-term goal of NRF to arrange and describe its archives into distinct collections that can be better accessed both internally and by the public.
About the Collection:
The NRF photographic archives consist primarily of two distinct collections. The first is a collection of historic photographs purchased by NRF in the 1970s. These photographs range in date from the late 1800s to the mid-20th century. They depict Newport streetscapes and historic houses. The second collection of photographs was created by NRF to document the restoration of colonial buildings in the 1960s and 1970s. The size of these collections combined is approximately 35 linear feet of shelf space.
Specific Responsibilities:
The Archives Intern will work primarily on-site for 10-15 hours per week depending on the needs of the department and be supervised by the Archivist and Digital Collections Coordinator.
Tasks
- Rehouse and index a collection of historic photographs
- Identify photographs for digitization
- Follow best practices for handling archival materials
- Follow best practices for digitizing archival materials
- Support the creation of NRF exhibits through research
- At the end of the project create a DACS complaint finding aid
Qualifications:
- Undergraduate or graduate degree (or working towards a degree) in a relevant field (history, art history, preservation, library science, museum studies, conservation, etc.)
- Coursework in library science, urban studies, history, architecture, historic preservation, (familiarity with New England and Newport a plus)
- Knowledge of archival methods and best practices
- Detail-oriented, organized, and has the demonstrated ability to work independently
- Excellent communications skills; can communicate effectively with people from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences (colleagues and other stakeholders)
- A team player who is capable of collaborating across NRF departments and with NRF partners/collaborators
The job description is meant to outline the role, but not define potential candidates. If you do not meet all the qualifications, but are enthusiastic about the work of NRF and this position, please apply!
Interested candidates should submit a brief cover letter and résumé to archivist@newportrestoration.org.. EOE. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with an anticipated closing date of April 1.
