Internships take place on-site at Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee, NC June through August 2024 (dates are flexible and can be adjusted to accommodate the candidate’s academic schedule). This internship requires 120 work hours at a compensation rate of $15/hour.
Purpose/Role
The Genealogy intern will work closely with MotCP’s Genealogist, Manager of Collections, and Registrar to organize, research, and identify Cherokee people in MotCP’s archival photo collections. Intern will also help the Genealogist coordinate community outreach and help organize classes designed to teach Cherokee people about best practices for searching genealogical materials.
Responsibilities/Tasks
Assist in the care and organization of MotCP’s archival collections by completing inventories.
Digitize photographs and other archival materials that contain genealogical information that EBCI enrolled tribal citizens/members need access to in order to further their genealogical research.
Maintain and organize digital copies of photographs and inventories to be uploaded into MotCP’s Digital Asset Management (DAM) system (NetX), as well as MotCP’s external online catalog (Past Perfect).
Assists Genealogist and Collections Division staff with coordinating and organizing meetings with EBCI tribal citizens/members and EBCI community clubs (or other relevant groups) that have knowledge about the people that are present in MotCP’s archival photograph collection.
Assists with updating archival metadata and search terms that will be beneficial to EBCI tribal members/citizens who are using MotCP collections to research their genealogy .
Perform other duties as assigned.
Skills/Knowledge/Qualities
Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree or post-secondary degree in History, Archival Sciences, Museum Studies, Archaeology, Anthropology, Native American/Indigenous Studies, or other related fields.
A demonstrated commitment to preserving the history, culture, and stories of the Cherokee People.
Excellent organizational skills.
Excellent communication skills both verbally and written.
Strong computer literacy skills.
Self-driven initiative and performance of the highest quality, with keen attention to detail.
Must comply with all MotCP’s policies and procedures.
Must be respectful of Cherokee cultural protocols and maintain confidentiality in regard to culturally sensitive information.
Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Other
Reports directly to the Manager of Collections.
Work may be performed in various settings, including climate-controlled museums or archival collections, office settings, or scholarly settings.
May require travel, including overnight stays.
May be required to lift heavy boxes (up to 20 pounds).