Special Collections Intern, National Geographic, Washington D.C. (remote)
Posted January 31, 2024
Description:
The National Geographic Society’s (NGS) Special Collections chronicle more than 135 years of the Society’s history and impact through archival documents, library resources, maps, publications, audio and video recordings, photographs and illustrations, objects, and digital media assets. This summer, Special Collections is seeking an intern for an exciting opportunity to evaluate and revise a comprehensive research guide on National Geographic history. Geopedia, an internally-facing resource created and maintained by Special Collections staff, includes detailed information on the key people and events of National Geographic Society since its founding in 1888. A robust and invaluable resource, Geopedia has served staff, Explorers, and Society Partners for decades. Now, we hope to share it externally. In 2026, Special Collections will open the doors to our first ever public-facing research room in the Society’s renovated Basecamp and launch a newly designed website. But first, we need your help to review and update Geopedia to more fully represent the depth and breadth of Society assets now under our care, reach wider audiences, and promote an open dialogue that reckons with National Geographic’s past.
During this project, the intern will work collaboratively with Special Collections archivists, librarians, and media managers to gain hands-on experience researching cultural heritage materials, identifying gaps and opportunities in collections and resources, and distilling complex topics into digestible summaries that make the Society’s history come alive. Our ideal candidate is curious, self-motivated, and an excellent researcher and writer.