The Mississippi Department of Archives and History offers internships designed to engage undergraduate and graduate students seeking hands-on experience in a professional setting.
From archives and archaeology to education and museums, interns have the chance to work in one of MDAH’s five divisions to delve into an array of projects under the mentorship of MDAH staff.
Students may obtain academic credit through their educational institution. MDAH welcomes students of all backgrounds; however, preference may be given to individuals studying anthropology, archaeology, archival studies, communications, education, history, law, library science, museum studies, political science, public history, and related fields.
Learning Experiences
MDAH internships provide students with practical work exposure in a professional setting. Some internships are project-based, while others focus on practical experience.
MDAH interns may also participate in engagement opportunities during their program, ranging from private, behind-the-scenes access to state museums, archives, and historic sites to professional development workshops.
How to Apply
The application window for MDAH’s Summer 2026 internships will be open from January 12 through March 13, 2026. Applicants must complete the linked application and may apply to up to three internship opportunities. If more than three applications are submitted, only the first three will be reviewed. A separate application is required for each position you wish to apply to.
For questions about our internship program or the application process, contact Meredith Kent, Human Resources Programs Manager, at (601) 576-7304 or mekent@mdah.ms.gov.
2026 Summer Internships
- Archival Processing Internship
Archival Processing Internship
The Government Records Archival Intern will serve in the government records section of the Archives and Records Services division. This internship offers unique opportunities to learn about archival preservation and conservation, as well as the processing, arrangement, and description of archival collections. Working under the direction of government records staff, this intern will engage in the archival processing of collections and will have the opportunity to write descriptive finding aids for the collections.There is an opportunity to work on multiple archival projects during the internship, including a transcription project for Secretary of State land patents and a finding aid reformatting project.
- Archival Special Collections Internship
Archival Special Collections Internship
The Archival Special Collections Intern will offer a unique opportunity to learn about archival preservation and conservation, as well as processing, arrangement, and description. Working under the direction of the section head and her staff, the intern will engage in the archival processing portions of the Mississippi Cultural Crossroads Collection as part of the manuscript and image collections. Mississippi Cultural Crossroads was an organization providing cultural and educational activities for youth and adults.
- Collections Management Internship
Collections Management Internship
The Collection Management Intern. This position will facilitate the care and preservation of the department’s Historic Objects Collection, particularly the cataloging, photographing, and housing of a wide range of objects. This internship offers unique opportunities to learn about the standards and best practices of collection management and to gain hands-on experience in object handling and collection care.
- Exhibits Technician Internship
Exhibits Technician Internship
The Exhibits Technician Intern will assist the exhibits team with exhibit planning, research, and implementation. This intern will engage with the MDAH exhibition team while developing relationships with the curatorial services staff. This internship offers real-world exposure to many aspects of curatorial services with an opportunity to explore and gain insight into state government.
- Federal Archaeology Collections Internship
Federal Archaeology Collections Internship
The Federal Archaeology Collections Intern will assist the staff in the inventory of federally owned archaeological collections as we work with federal agencies to conserve and curate collections in accordance with 36CFR79 and other federal guidance. Interns will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in federal curation standards, collections management, and conservation practices, as well as participate in consultation with federal agencies and tribal descendant communities.
- Human Resources Internship
The Human Resources Intern will assist the HR team with a variety of projects to improve efficiency and employee engagement.
- Museum Audio Visual Internship
Museum Audio Visual Internship
The Museum AV Intern will play an important role in supporting audio-visual operations across the Museum of Mississippi History, the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, and the Old Capitol Museum to assist with daily AV troubleshooting, system maintenance, and Helpdesk response. This intern will work closely with the Museum Systems Specialist to gain hands-on experience with the technical infrastructure that powers museum exhibits and public programming.
- Museum Conservation Internship
Museum Conservation Internship
The Museum Conservation Internship offers hands-on conservation experience. This internship is intended for advanced pre-program students or those students entering their second year of a conservation graduate program. This intern will gain objects conservation experience from a collection consisting of a wide range of dates and material types. The intern will experience all aspects of collections care, including preventive conservation, object rehousing, and collaboration with exhibits and collections management.
- NAGPRA Research Internship
The NAGPRA Research Intern will assist collections staff in the systematic research of collections history, maps, and archaeological excavation reports, to support the Archaeology team in our efforts to inventory and repatriate more than 100 years of archaeological collections from the state of Mississippi. Interns will gain familiarity and experience in technical writing, archaeology site mapping, and NAGPRA regulations, as well as participating in consultation with tribal descendant communities.
- Programs and Education Internship
Programs and Education Internship
Programs and Education Internship offers unique opportunities to learn about all aspects of educational programming for teachers and students across all MDAH sites. Working with the education section, the intern will create primary source-based education resources for teachers to use in the classroom. In addition to classroom resources, the intern will work with the programming and education section on fall student programming and the annual Fall Teacher Workshop.
- Public Relations & Marketing Internship
Public Relations & Marketing Internship
The Public Relations & Marketing Internship will support copywriting, social media content creation, and proofreading efforts. Additional responsibilities include assisting with photography, content development, and digital asset management. This position offers the opportunity to gain valuable experience in software platforms such as Constant Contact and the Microsoft Suite, while also developing skills in messaging and communications strategy.
- State Archaeology Collections Internship
State Archaeology Collections Internship
The State Archaeology Collections Intern will assist the Collections staff in the inventory of state-owned archaeological collections as we work with tribal descendant communities to repatriate cultural items and ancestors under NAGPRA. Interns will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in NAGPRA curation standards, collections management, and conservation practices, as well as participate in consultation with tribal descendant communities.
- Summer Camp Education Internship
Summer Camp Education Internship
The Summer Camp Education Intern will support the Education & Outreach Team in delivering our Arts in Mississippi summer camp. The intern will assist with arts-based lessons, youth engagement, and daily camp operations. This role offers practical experience in museum education, teaching, and program planning, making it a strong fit for students interested in the humanities or working with children.
- Eudora Welty Collection Archival Internship
Eudora Welty Collection Archival Internship
The Eudora Welty Collection Archival Internship is designed specifically to work with the Eudora Welty Collection at the William F. Winter Archives & History Building at MDAH, the premier collection of Eudora Welty materials in the world and one of the most varied literary collections in the United States.
- Historic Garden Internship
The Historic Garden Internship offers unique opportunities to support historic garden preservation through both hands-on work and research that helps expand our knowledge of the impact of Eudora Welty’s garden on her literary legacy. This learning opportunity will provide a successful applicant with the chance to be a part of a gardening community where they will get to grow both their horticultural and interpersonal skills.
- Eudora Welty House Museum Internship
Eudora Welty House Museum Internship
The Eudora Welty House Museum Internship will support the Education Specialist with summer, youth-focused educational programming. The intern will gain hands-on experience in museum education, develop public speaking and interpretive skills, strengthen historical and literary knowledge, and build professionalism within a cultural institution while contributing creatively to resource and program development.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply?
MDAH internships are designed for students and emerging professionals, including current undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in higher education and recent graduates within two years of completing their degree. High school students are not eligible.
- Do you accept international interns?
Yes, we welcome international interns. Applicants must hold a valid F-1 visa with proper authorization, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). MDAH does not sponsor visas for interns.
- When can I apply?
The application window for MDAH’s Summer 2026 internships will run from January 12 through March 13, 2026.
- Do I need to have a specific major in order to apply?
No, you don’t! MDAH offers a diverse range of internship opportunities suitable for students from many different academic backgrounds.
- May I apply for multiple internships?
Yes, you may apply for up to three internships. A separate application is required for each position. If you submit more than three applications, only the first three will be reviewed.
- When will I hear back about my application?
After submitting your application, you will see a confirmation page. If selected for an interview, you will receive an email a few weeks after applications close—timing may vary. Final internship decisions will be made by early April. If you are not selected for an interview, you will be updated about the status of your application,
- I have applied in the past. Can I apply again?
Yes, you are welcome to submit a new application each summer.
- Where is the internship located?
All internships are located at our campus in Jackson, Mississippi.
- Are there remote or hybrid options for the internships?
Our internships are in-person.
- Does MDAH provide intern housing?
No, interns are responsible for arranging their own accommodations. However, MDAH will provide a list of resources to assist with your housing search and can connect selected interns seeking shared accommodations.
- Are there specific start and end dates?
The internship program will begin on June 1, 2026 and will conclude on July 31, 2026.
- How many hours is the internship?
The internship requires 160 hours. Your individual work schedule is flexible at the agreement of you and your supervisor.
- Can I complete all 160 hours in a month?
No, the internship is designed to last the entire summer. You will not be able to complete more than 30 hours in a week.
- Are the internships paid?
Interns receive a $2,500 stipend to help offset living expenses during the program. Payments will be provided in the form of a physical check by the HR Programs Manager.
- Can I receive academic credit for this internship?
Academic credit may be available if approved by your educational institution. Interns are responsible for coordinating credit arrangements with their institution, and MDAH will provide any necessary documentation to support the process.
- How can I get more information?
For more information, please contact Meredith Kent, HR Programs Manager, at (601) 576-7304 or mekent@mdah.ms.gov.