Archives Intern, Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site, Cambridge, MA
Posted April 13, 2016
Expected Dates: May 16, 2016 to September 4, 2016
Position ID: PO-00698219
The intern will gain valuable experience in museum collections and archives management while also providing public access to the historic photograph collections of Longfellow House- Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site. Specifically, the intern will have opportunities to digitize, complete missing catalog information and assist with research requests relating to the photograph collection which includes over 11,500 photographs and negatives ranging from 1840 to 1970 and encompassing a wide range of photographic processes and topics. The historic photograph collection provides critical information about all aspects of the history associated with the Longfellow family and the site. In addition to depicting the people associated with the house, the photographs include information about their associations with other famous figures (e.g., Charles Dickens), nineteenth century fashions, architecture (including important changes to the Longfellow House and grounds), aspects of Longfellow family life, and important images of foreign travel collected by family members. The applicant selected will also be asked to identify an area of interest for a small research project to enable the intern to discover some of the connections inherent in the park’s collections. Each week, the intern will work in partnership with the NPS Curator, Archives Specialist and Museum Technician to care for the collections, rehouse textiles, monitor environmental conditions and fill research requests.
Location Description
Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site (NHS) is located in a historic residential neighborhood of Cambridge, Massachusetts. The site is located within the large and active Boston metropolitan community where many cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities as well as other amenities are available. The climate during the spring, summer and fall is temperate. Major bus and subway lines serve Harvard Square which is a 10-minute walk away.
The mission of Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters NHS is to preserve, protect, and interpret the historically and culturally significant buildings, grounds, and collections associated with the 1759 Vassall-Craigie-Longfellow House. The historic house was George Washington’s headquarters in the first year of the American Revolution, 1775 to 1776, and later became the home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow from 1837 to 1882.
Training Provided
NPS History and Mission, primary source research, field experiences at area parks and museums for career exploration and networking.
Educational/Recreational Opportunities
The internship includes opportunities to visit and learn about area museums, historic sites, and NPS units. The site is proximate to the ocean, mountains, and an array of natural and cultural treasures.
Handicap Accessible? No
Main Area of Focus: Cultural/Historical Resource Mgmt
Education, Training & Skills Expected
Arts/Humanities: some coursework or experience
Resource Management: some coursework or experience
History: some coursework or experience
Customer Service: some experience
Data Entry: competent with supervision
Social Media: some experience
Photography: competent without supervision