Lower Sioux Agency Scanning and Archiving Intern
Project Summary:
The intern will gain hands-on experience in organization, research and archival cataloguing through work with historic documents from the Lower Sioux Agency (LSA) site. The intern will assist with organizing and digitizing physical documents and reference materials to support and facilitate the construction of a digital archive.
Working under staff supervision, the intern will learn and apply basic archival principles by organizing digitized materials into Google Drive to reflect the existing physical binder structure. The intern will also conduct research to identify and include additional source materials (newspapers, books, or broader historical references) that enhance the completeness and usability of the archive.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct research on the LSA
- Assist with organizing and archiving materials to ensure accurate record-keeping and long-term preservation.
- Scan and digitize materials to improve accessibility of records.
- Write concise catalog descriptions and summary paragraphs to accompany archived materials.
- Research unreadable documents and print new versions
Knowledge Intern is Expected to Gain:
- Connection to mni sota makoce
- Learn about Dakota history, Historic Lower Sioux Agency site and history about the grounds, site, community, and cultural preservation plans
- Familiarity with MNHS resources
- Archival organization and management skills
- Historical research and writing skills
- Experience working in a professional environment
Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student, or have graduated within the past 12 months at the time of application.
- Ideal candidates might be currently pursuing, or a graduate with a degree in the following areas: American Indian Studies, Dakota language, Historic Preservation
- Caring, honest, hard working, and have a love for native history and identity
Interns are required to participate in three, in-person seminars focused on professional development, learning how cultural organizations operate, and building a network of industry professionals. At the end of the semester, interns complete a final presentation to share their work.
Please ensure you are available for these dates when applying:
- Thursday, June 18 from 11:30am-1:00pm
- Thursday, July 21 from 1:00-3:00pm
- Thursday, August 13 from 3:30-5:30pm
- Final Presentations: Thursday, August 27 from 11:00am-1:00pm