Volunteers, Database Services, New England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston, MA
Posted October 25, 2017
Title: Database Services Volunteers
Description: Seeking volunteers to help scan record materials and index documents. At New England Historic Genealogical Society we depend on the help of our volunteers to provide the bulk of the data we organize into searchable databases.
Volunteering can be done from the comfort of your own home, whenever you have time, for individuals interested in indexing. Volunteers are also welcome to come to the NEHGS library to index, as well as scan. Scanning can only be done at the library. Materials can be found on our online platform for indexing records, sign up for the platform is done through our special link. Volunteers must come into the Newbury St location for part of their weekly hours to fulfill criteria for credit or letters of recommendation.
We currently have 2 major projects: digitizing parish records for the entirety of the Boston Archdiocese, and digitizing the fifth generation of Mayflower Families Through Five Generations books (Mayflower Silver Books).
Listed below are possible options for volunteers to choose from:
- Scanning materials for databases
- Indexing material from sources into Excel spreadsheets OR using the online platform to index material
- Editing images on the computer
- May also include other responsibilities organized between the volunteer coordinator and individual based on skill set
Gain experience in:
- Best practices for handling historical books
- Interpreting primary source documents
- Genealogical research
- Special equipment: flatbed scanner, the Archivist Quill – a dual camera book scanner
- Learn new computer programs: XnView, Photoshop
Qualifications:
- Ideal candidate will be reliable and great communicator.
- Must have computer experience, and ability to learn easy computer programs.
- High level of attention to detail.
- Preferred: experience reading cursive or interpreting primary source documents.
How To Apply: Please email a Resume and Cover Letter to Bianca Renzoni at [email protected]
Apply by: Rolling Application Basis
Salary/Benefits: This is an UNPAID volunteer position. Compensation in the form of community service hours, college credit, letters of recommendation, museum/cultural center reciprocity program in the Boston Area, and limited access to the facilities.
About this Organization: American Ancestors / New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS) is America’s founding genealogical organization and the most respected name in family history. Established in 1845, American Ancestors / NEHGS is the nation’s leading resource for family history research. American Ancestors / NEHGS provides comprehensive family history services through an expert staff, original scholarship, educational opportunities, world-class research center, and awardwinning website, AmericanAncestors.org, to help family historians of all levels explore their past and understand their families’ unique place in history.
American Ancestors / NEHGS is a member-based nonprofit corporation dedicated to advancing the study of family history in America and beyond, by educating, inspiring, and connecting people through our scholarship, collections, and expertise.
As the flagship genealogical society in the nation, American Ancestors / NEHGS serves more than 225,000 members and millions of online users with more than a billion searchable records on AmericanAncestors.org, and through the assistance of a staff of 90 genealogical experts and nonprofit professionals.