Summer 2026 Archives Internship, Firebird Foundation for Anthropological Research, (Phillips, ME)
Posted March 16, 2026
Description
Archival internship to assist with processing a robust archive of anthropological research material and writings—including but not limited to manuscripts, research notes, original field notebooks, and photographic and audiovisual media.
The Firebird Foundation Collections and Archives is located in the western mountains of Maine, where the Foundation founders, George and Laura Appell, made their home. The primary collections and archives housed by the Firebird Foundation Collections and Archives are the Appell material culture collections from Sabah, Malaysia, collected between 1959 and 2004, and from Kalimantan, Indonesia, collected in 1980 and 1981, and the Appell anthropological archives both paper and digital. Also housed at the Foundation are the academic archives of other anthropologists whose main research focus was Borneo, as well as the archived research data and reports of recipients of the Firebird Foundation for Anthropological Research Grants.
Responsibilities
- Archival responsibilities include, but are not limited to, preservation (e.g., rehousing and cleaning) and processing (e.g., organizing and describing) of materials.
- On-site supervision by the Firebird Foundation’s Collections Manager andArchivist, Anne Olivares, with remote and on-site consultation by Archivist and Assistant Professor Kathy Carbone of Pratt Institute’s School of Information.
Qualifications
- MLIS student or recent graduate with interest in private collections and archives
- Comfortable working and living in a rural environment and fieldwork setting, and willing to work solo & collaboratively
- US citizens or green card holders
Hours and Compensation
- $850 per week stipend for 6–9 weeks of full-time work, timeline negotiable
- Housing, travel costs, and shared vehicle for local use provided
- Note: Housing shared with other contractor(s).
About the area:
Phillips is a small & quiet rural town with a well-stocked grocery store, post office, and gas station. During the summer months, street fairs, farmers’ markets, and opportunities for outdoor activities (especially hiking) are plentiful in the area.
Within a half an hour drive from Phillips:
- Farmington, home to University of Maine and a quaint downtown area with great shops, coffee shops, and restaurants
- Rangeley, a beautiful 4-season recreational area surrounded by lakes & mountains
About the housing:
The shared housing is a 5-bedroom house with 2 shared bathrooms, a full kitchen, laundry room, and several common areas including a deck with an unbeatable view. The deck is ideal for stargazing!
How to Apply
To apply, please send a resume / CV, a letter of interest, and the names of two references to [email protected] and [email protected]. Questions? Email Anne!
Deadline to apply is April 3rd, 2026