The Mississippi Department of Archives & 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
Applications for summer internships with the Mississippi Department of Archives & History are open until March 11, 2025.
Explore the descriptions below to find the right opportunity for you.
For questions about our internship program or the application process, contact HR Programs Manager Erin Blackledge at eblackledge@mdah.ms.gov or 601-576-6985.
2025 Summer Internships
- Public Relations & Marketing Internship
Public Relations & Marketing Internship
This intern will support copywriting, social media content creation, and proofreading efforts. Additional responsibilities include assisting with photography, content development, and digital asset management.
- Eudora Welty House & Garden Museum Internship
Eudora Welty House & Garden Museum Internship
This internship offers unique opportunities to develop a variety of skills, such as education and programming, as well as provides practical operational experience at the Eudora Welty House & Garden.
- Organizational Development Internship
Organizational Development Internship
This internship presents a distinctive opportunity to collaborate with an experienced HR team in state government, providing hands-on experience in data management, event coordination, and the implementation of human resources best practices.
- Exhibits Design Assistant Internship
Exhibits Design Assistant Internship
This intern will primarily assist the exhibits designer with graphic design tasks within the curatorial services section.
- Eudora Welty Collection Archival Internship
Eudora Welty Collection Archival Internship
This internship offers opportunities to learn about archival preservation and conservation, as well as processing, arrangement, and description through engaging in the archival processing of materials as part of the Eudora Welty Collection.
- Exhibits Technician Internship
Exhibits Technician Internship
This intern will primarily assist the exhibits team with exhibit planning, research, and implementation.
- Historic Garden Internship
This internship offers unique opportunities to support historic garden preservation through both hands-on work and research that helps expand our knowledge of Welty's living legacy at the Eudora Welty House & Garden.
- Archival Special Collections Internship
Archival Special Collections Internship
This internship will offer a unique opportunity to learn about archival preservation and conservation, as well as processing, arrangement, and description, through engagement with the archival processing of materials from several small and recently acquired local history collections as part of the manuscript and image collections.
- Museum Conservation Internship
Museum Conservation Internship
This intern will gain object conservation experience from a collection consisting of a wide range of dates and material types.
- Education Internship
This internship provides a collaborative experience in creating educational resources, developing fall programming, and working with Mississippi History Day materials.
- Government Records Archival Internship
Government Records Archival Internship
This internship offers unique opportunities to learn about archival preservation and conservation, as well as the processing, arrangement, and description of archival 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.
- Archaeology NAGPRA Research Internship
Archaeology NAGPRA Research Internship
This internship provides the opportunity to assist staff in systematic research of collection information to support the NAGPRA operations of the archaeology section.
- Support Technician Internship
This internship offers real-world exposure to many aspects of information technology with an opportunity to explore and gain insight into state government functions as they relate to information technology in a uniquely historical environment.
- Archaeology Collections & Lab Internship
Archaeology Collections & Lab Internship
This intern will assist the collections staff in the inventory of both state and federally-owned archaeological collections. This support will assist staff in furthering their understanding of the collections held at MDAH through their knowledge of identifying and cataloging cultural materials.
- Museum Activities Coordinator Internship
Museum Activities Coordinator Internship
This intern will lead hands-on activities during summer camp and assist with guided tours and special educational programs at the Two Mississippi Museums.
- Collections Cataloger Internship
Collections Cataloger Internship
This intern will facilitate the documentation and preservation of the Historic Objects Collection, particularly the cataloging, photographing, and housing of a wide range of collection objects.
- Curriculum and Planning Internship
Curriculum and Planning Internship
This intern will develop lesson plans and activity schedules for summer camp, ensuring alignment with Mississippi State standards and the museum’s strategic goals at the Two Mississippi Museums.
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?
Applications for the summer 2025 cycle are open from January 8 to March 11, 2025.
- 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 April 18, and all applicants will be notified of their status by that date.
- 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 summer 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?
Yes, summer internships begin on June 2 and conclude on July 31, 2025.
- How many hours is the internship?
The internship requires 160 hours, typically completed at 20 hours per week.
- Can I complete all 160 hours in one month instead of two?
No, the internship is designed to last two months to provide interns with valuable experience, the opportunity to complete larger projects, and participation in all enrichment activities. Interns may work up to 25 hours per week. Planned vacations can be accommodated if communicated to your supervisor at the start of the internship. Attendance at the orientation and Intern Expo is mandatory.
- Are the internships paid?
Interns receive a $2,500 stipend to help offset living expenses during the program. Payments of $625 will be provided in the form of a physical check every two weeks 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?
Please reach out to the HR Programs Manager, Erin Blackledge at eblackledge@mdah.ms.gov or 601-576-6985.