Abbagadasett Archival Finding Aid Description (EAD) Internship, Maine Historical Society, (Portland, ME)

Posted January 29, 2026

Description

The Abbagadassett Archival Finding Aid Description (EAD) Internship is a 300-hour summer internship focused on converting archival finding aids (collection inventories) into Encoded Archival Description (EAD), the widely-used standard for describing and navigating manuscript collections. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in careers in library science, archives, public history, or other humanities fields where working with primary sources is central.

Learning opportunities include working with archival collections; learning EAD methodologies; creating intellectual control of physical collections; and professional communication in a cultural setting.

The intern will review and analyze existing text-based finding aids, work hands-on with archival collections to reconcile data fields, and format content into EAD with consistent descriptions using ArchivesSpace. The intern will collaborate with staff to publish completed finding aids online.

Through project-based learning, students will explore varied aspects of archival work while building practical and transferable skills. This internship offers direct experience with EAD, one of the most important tools used in archives today, allowing archival collections to be found, searched, and understood more easily.

This position is performed on-site at Maine Historical Society’s downtown Portland location, with some hybrid flexibility. This opportunity is open to graduate students currently enrolled in an accredited Library Science program, as well as recent Library Science graduates. Qualified applicants must have some experience with creating archival finding aids.

Qualifications

This opportunity is open to graduate students currently enrolled in an accredited Library Science program, as well as recent Library Science graduates. Qualified applicants must have some experience with creating archival finding aids.

Hours and Compensation

INTERNSHIP DURATION: 300 hours

LOCATION: On-site in Portland, Maine, with some hybrid flexability.

SCHEDULE: Monday–Friday, 30 hours per week, June–August

STIPEND: $6,000

How to Apply

Visit the following web address to see the full position listing and to apply: https://www.mainehistory.org/research-collections/abbagadassett-internships/archive-student-internship

Questions? View the FAQ section of the above web address, or email questions to [email protected]