Keystone Internship at Pennsylvania State Archives

Are you exploring the fields of archival studies, history, public history, or library and information sciences and looking for some real-world experience? The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission's Keystone Internship Program will provide you with the chance achieve this goal, pursue your professional growth, and contribute to sharing Pennsylvania's rich heritage with the public. Hold your future and our history in your hands with us

This Collections Management internship will introduce you to the collections held at the Pennsylvania State Archives, including both state agency records and non-government records of historically significant value. You will learn basic archival preservation techniques and how to identify materials needing further conservation through practical training and learn basic archival theory through readings provided by your supervisor. You will also have hands-on opportunities to help enhance and provide public access to records by updating and creating new holdings lists and content on our current collection management system so the public can access records.

This internship will include participating in a key project: creating an inventory of colonial era manuscripts. During this project, you will gain experience handling documents and researching key figures in Pennsylvania's history in order to add descriptions and access points to make this information easier for people to search for, learn from, and explore.

Do not miss this opportunity to gain an inside understanding of how the public uses our collections for research purposes. You will receive training in how to search our collections to answer common genealogical or other reference questions, as well as opportunities to work with members of other sections at the Pennsylvania State Archives to gain an understanding of how these sections serve both the public and other state agencies. Apply and enhance the foundation of your future career with our team

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• 10 week internship, May 2026 through August 2026, approximately 225 to 300 hours
• Work hours are flexible and will be finalized between selected interns and their supervisor.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary:In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Internship Requirements:

• All applicants must be enrolled at a college or university in an undergraduate or graduate program at the time of their internship.

Additional Requirements:

• You must be able and willing to report to Harrisburg, PA during the Summer Keystone Internship dates, which will be a 10-week period between May 11 and August 21, 2026. Lodging and transportation are not provided.
• You must be majoring, minoring, or have a concentration in Archival Studies, History, Public History, Library and Information Sciences, or a closely related field.
• You must have a minimum 2.5 GPA.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

• The preferred candidate will have an interest archives-specific work, such as working to preserve historical documents, photographs, and audio-visual materials, as well as an interest in genealogy or historical research using primary sources.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

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