Archaeology Collections Internship, Plimoth Patuxet Museums, Plymouth, MA
Posted March 17, 2023
Description
The Archaeology Collections internship offers advanced undergraduate or graduate archaeology students experience cataloging and analyzing archaeological collections, helping with collections care, and designing a digital exhibit. The Archaeology Intern’s daily responsibilities include cataloging artifacts, photographing objects, and creating accurate digital records to ensure public, online access to archaeological data. Additionally, the Archaeology Collections Intern will rehouse objects, reorganize assemblages to promote safe object handling and accessibility, and assist with database record standardization.
This position will teach archaeological methods and techniques, 17th-century colonial and Indigenous material culture, and collections management practices. The Archaeology Collections Intern will be trained in best practices in collections digitization. The position will require review of field records, photographs, slides, and paper records of the objects associated with this project. The Archaeology Intern reports to the Collections Manager & Staff Archaeologist.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Archaeology Intern is directly responsible for completing various digitization tasks including:
- Inventorying, cataloging, and rehousing an archaeological assemblage
- Photographing objects and processing images for publication on PastPerfect web-edition database
- Adhering to the artifact catalog standards for archaeological sites in the Plimoth Patuxet Museums’ online database, PastPerfect Web-Edition
- Writing content, collection summary, and finding aid for collections webpage
- Creating a small online digital exhibit that highlights objects from the assemblage
- Participate in weekly seminars and other personal and professional development activities, including field trips, field work assignments, and final internship symposium.
Qualifications
Ideal candidate is a bright, self-motivated advanced undergraduate or graduate student with attention to detail and experience working with archaeological artifacts, either in a field school or laboratory setting. Applicants interested in Indigenous and Colonial material culture from New England are preferred. They should be open to exploring the intersection of technology and archaeology to make the Museum’s collections available online. Experience with collections management systems (CMS) software is not required, but preferred. The ability to work independently, stay organized, and communicate professionally with staff is crucial to the successful completion of this internship. Must demonstrate ability to be task- and detail-oriented and self-motivated in a collaborative environment.
Work Schedule
Full-time (35 hours/week), Monday through Friday. Part-time hours are also available.
Stipend
This is an unpaid internship. Housing and university credit are available. Students are responsible for all paperwork, arrangements and credit fees.