Keystone Internship at The State Museum of Pennsylvania - Collections Management (College)

Are you passionate about public history and eager to gain meaningful, real-world experience? The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission's Keystone Internship Program provides exceptional opportunities to advance your professional development while sharing Pennsylvania's rich heritage with the public. If you are a detail-oriented individual interested in learning more about how museums receive, process, and track historic artifacts, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

An internship with Collections Management will include an introduction to and experience with a collections management database, entering and correcting information in preparation for a future collections inventory. You will have the opportunity to learn about other associated registration tasks such as how museums accession and deaccession, loan artifacts in and out, image reproduction considerations, and risk management. Work involves learning how to:

• Catalog small collections of artifacts
• Describe, number, photograph, link, and save information
• Maintain a collections inventory including associated justification and reconciliation of permanent records

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, 2026 and August 21, 2026. Lodging and transportation will not be provided.
• You must be majoring, minoring or have a concentration in History, Public History, Museum Studies, or Library and Information Sciences.
• You must have a minimum 2.5 GPA.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• Experience working in a museum or historical society
• Experience working with computer databases
• Attention to detail

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 www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html 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.