2027 Archives Spring Intern

Job Description:

Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non-profit charitable organization with free admission. In June 2026, Crystal Bridges’ 114,000 square foot expansion opened to the public, allowing the museum to expand access for all.

The Momentary is a venue for the music, art, and food of our time, and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality. An extension to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary is a ‘living room’ where community gathers to be inspired, connected, and joyful. The Momentary enriches lives through music, art, and food experiences that inspire creativity, build community, and create joy. You belong here, make the most of this moment.

The Archives Intern will assist with the arrangement, digitization, and description of archival collections, gaining hands-on experience in an art museum setting. Working under the Assistant Archivist, the Intern will help process the Institutional Archives, comprising primarily born-digital materials. The Intern will also assist the Assistant Archivist with other duties that align with the priorities of the Crystal Bridges archives.

The ideal candidate is passionate about archives, art history, American history, and/or digital innovation. Applicants should be willing to acquire knowledge, take initiative, solve problems, and collaborate effectively

The Archives Intern will actively participate and perform duties in the following functional areas: 

• →Assist Library and Archives staff with the assessment, arrangement, and stabilization of physical records by creating inventories, conducting research, and rehousing materials 
• →Digitize archival records; name, describe, and organize digital files 
• →Assist in the creation of archival database records and collection finding aids 
• →Other duties as assigned 

• Academic background in library or information science, art history, or a related field
• Superior oral and written communication skills
• Dependable and punctual
• Knowledge of Microsoft apps is required; familiarity with archival databases (the museum uses ArchivEra) and digitization equipment/software is a plus
• A background check is required
• Must maintain confidentiality of all non-public museum information
• Possible course credit can be negotiated with Intern’s departmental supervisor

• Anticipated Start Date: January 25, 2027
• Anticipated End Date: April 30, 2027

Inclement Weather Dates: February 1, 2027-April 30, 2027

• Weekly schedule to be arranged with direct supervisor

To qualify for bachelor’s or master’s hours, you must be enrolled in an accredited program or have graduated from an accredited program within the past three years. Students are required to submit a current schedule or an official transcript.

• Cover Letter
• Resume

• Question 1: What interests you about working with archival collections, historical materials, and primary sources, and what do you hope to learn through this internship? 
• Question 2: Archival work requires organization, accuracy, attention to detail, and patience. Describe an experience where you used these skills to complete a project or manage information. 
• Question 3: This internship may involve processing collections, conducting research, digitizing materials, and creating or updating archival records. Which of these areas are you most interested in exploring, and how does this opportunity connect to your academic or professional goals?
• Resume

Housing for internship positions is contingent upon the availability of funding and is not guaranteed. Internships that include housing will explicitly state this in both the position title and the position description. Any housing and/or relocation assistance provided is considered taxable income and will be reported on the intern’s Form W-2. When housing is available, only students whose primary residence is more than 150 miles or three hours from either Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art or the Momentary will be considered.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those required by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.