Civil War Letters Digitization Intern, Harvard Historical Society, (Harvard, MA)

Posted February 16, 2026

Harvard Historical Society (HHS) is seeking an advanced undergraduate or graduate intern – including
individuals pursuing or holding an MLIS or related degree – with experience or training in
public history, archives, libraries, or museums and a demonstrated interest in Civil War
history. This position supports a digitization and access project focused on 200+ original
Civil War–era letters, with the goal of preserving these materials and making them
available to researchers, educators, and the public.

Working with the Collections Manager, the intern will assist with digitization,
transcription editing (with AI support), metadata creation, and preparation of materials for
online access. The role offers hands-on experience with primary source collections and
the day-to-day workflows used in museum and archival settings.

Time Commitment & Compensation:

8–15 hours per week
300 total hours (approximately 12–18 months)
$25/hour (total compensation $7,500)
Work location: Remote work is possible, particularly for transcription editing
and metadata work. Limited on-site work may be available or required for
scanning, depending on location and project needs.

Responsibilities:

Digitize Civil War–era letters using archival scanning standards or work with existing high-resolution scans.
Review, correct, and finalize transcriptions generated with AI assistance.
Create clear, consistent descriptive metadata for each item.
Upload and organize digital files in HHS’s digital collections platform (Google Drive and/or CatalogIt).
Assist with organizing and rehousing original materials using archival-grade supplies when working on site.
Add the files with the metadata to the HHS website.
Maintain consistent file naming, formatting, and documentation throughout the project.

Use of AI Tools:

AI is used to assist with first-pass transcription.
All transcriptions are fully reviewed and corrected by the intern.
Final accuracy and historical interpretation are the responsibility of the intern.
AI use follows ethical standards and best practices for archival and digital history work.

Required Qualifications:

Advanced undergraduate, graduate-level, or early-career professional.
Demonstrated interest in Civil War history (coursework, research, thesis work, public history projects, or related experience).
Experience or training in public history, archives, libraries, museums, or related fields.
Comfort working with handwritten historical documents.
Comfort working with computer applications.
Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently.

Preferred Qualifications:

Enrollment in or completion of an MLIS, MA in Public History, History, Museum Studies, or related program.
Experience with digitization, transcription, or special collections.
Familiarity with metadata standards (e.g., DACS, Dublin Core).
Experience with digital collection management tools.

Supervision & Support:

Supervised by HHS’s Collections Manager.
Guidance available from experienced volunteers involved in transcription and preservation work.
Training provided in project workflows, digitization standards, and metadata expectations.

How to Apply:

Applicants should submit: Resume and Cover Letter of interest to
[email protected]

Selected applicants will be invited to interview with the Collections Manager and
members of the Collections Committee.