Archives Intern: Summer; Not

Position: 2026 Archives Intern: Summer (Housing Not Provided)
The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges is a public non-profit charitable organization.

Job Description:

Position Title: 2026 Archives Intern:
Summer

Position Type: Part-Time

Classification: Non-Exempt

Department: Library and Archives

Reports to: Director of Research, Scholarship, and Library

About Crystal Bridges & The Momentary:

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 heritage and artistic possibilities. Founded by Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non-profit charitable organization with free admission.

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 the 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.

Position Summary:

The Archives team will be hiring two Archives Interns this summer. Please note that only one of these positions will include housing; the second role is intended for local students.

The Archives Intern will assist with the arrangement, digitization, and description of archival collections, gaining hands-on experience within an art museum setting. Under the guidance of the Director of Library and Archives and the Archives Fellow, the Intern will support processing the Dr. Francis V. O'Connor Research Collection, which includes artist files, manuscripts, and materials related to O'Connor's scholarship on Jackson Pollock and artists of the Federal Art Project within the Works Progress Administration.

The ideal candidate is passionate about archives, art history, American history, and/or digital innovation, and demonstrates a willingness to learn, take initiative, problem-solve, and collaborate effectively.
Interns that do not submit a resume AND cover letter will not be considered for this opportunity. Please answer the following questions in your cover letter when submitting your application.

What draws you to archival work, and how have your academic, personal, or professional experiences shaped your interest in preserving and interpreting historical materials?

Describe a time when you had to organize, analyze, or make sense of a large amount of information. What approach did you take, and what did you learn?

This internship offers hands-on experience across physical and digital workflows. What skills or knowledge areas are you hoping to strengthen during your time in the archives?

Duties and Responsibilities:

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

Qualifications:

• 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 Archiv Era) 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

Timeline:

Intern selected by:
March 1st

Schedule:

Start Date:

June 1, 2026

End Date:
July 24, 2026

Weekly schedule to be arranged with direct supervisor. Interns are permitted to work up to 40 hours a week.

To qualify for…