Civil War Letters Digitization

Position Title 

Civil War Letters Digitization Specialist

Organization 

Harvard Historical Society (HHS) 

Overview 

HHS is seeking an advanced undergraduate or graduate intern - including individuals  pursuing or holding an MLIS or related degree - with experience or training in public history,  archives, libraries, or museums and a demonstrated interest in Civil War history. This  position supports a digitization and access project focused on 200+ original Civil War–era  letters, with the goal of preserving these materials and making them available to  researchers, educators, and the public. 

Working with the Collections Manager, the intern will assist with digitization, transcription  editing (with AI support), metadata creation, and preparation of materials for online  access. The role offers hands-on experience with primary source collections and the day-to-day workflows used in museum and archival settings. 

Time Commitment & Compensation 

• 8–15 hours per week 

• 300 total hours (approximately 12–18 months) 

• $25/hour (total compensation $7,500) 

• Work location: Remote work is possible, particularly for transcription editing and  metadata work. Limited on-site work may be available or required for scanning,  depending on location and project needs. 

Responsibilities 

• Digitize Civil War–era letters using archival scanning standards or work with existing  high-resolution scans 

• Review, correct, and finalize transcriptions generated with AI assistance

 • Create clear, consistent descriptive metadata for each item 

• Upload and organize digital files in HHS’s digital collections platform (Google Drive  and/or CatalogIt)

• Assist with organizing and rehousing original materials using archival-grade supplies  when working on site

• Add the files with the metadata to the HHS website.

• Maintain consistent file naming, formatting, and documentation throughout the  project 

Use of AI Tools 

• AI is used to assist with first-pass transcription 

• All transcriptions are fully reviewed and corrected by the intern 

• Final accuracy and historical interpretation are the responsibility of the intern 

• AI use follows ethical standards and best practices for archival and digital history  work 

Required Qualifications 

• Advanced undergraduate, graduate-level, or early-career professional 

• Demonstrated interest in Civil War history (coursework, research, thesis work,  public history projects, or related experience) 

• Experience or training in public history, archives, libraries, museums, or related  fields 

• Comfort working with handwritten historical documents 

• Comfort working with computer applications.  

• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Enrollment in or completion of an MLIS, MA in Public History, History, Museum  Studies, or related program 

• Experience with digitization, transcription, or special collections 

• Familiarity with metadata standards (e.g., DACS, Dublin Core) 

• Experience with digital collection management tools 

Supervision & Support 

• Supervised by HHS’s Collections Manager 

• Guidance available from experienced volunteers involved in transcription and  preservation work

• Training provided in project workflows, digitization standards, and metadata  expectations 

How to Apply 

Applicants should submit: Resume and Cover Letter of interest to SamanthaGrantham@gmail.org

Selected applicants will be invited to interview with the Collections Manager and members  of the Collections Committee.