Anthropology Archival Intern
Anthropology Archival Intern
Job Summary:
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, founded in 1920, is located in the heart of University Circle, five miles east of downtown Cleveland, Ohio. For more than a century, the Museum has inspired visitors to connect with the wonders of science and nature. Today, we continue that legacy—and remain committed to sharing our resources to promote a healthy future for both humans and the planet.
As Ohio’s largest natural history museum, we use our vast collections and state-of-the-art facilities to contribute to scientific understanding worldwide. Our scientists conduct research across a variety of disciplines, making groundbreaking discoveries about early human ancestors, ancient Ohio, animal and plant life around the world, and more. We steward more than 12,500 acres of wild habitats through our Natural Areas Program, working to protect the environment of northern Ohio and the diverse species that call it home.
This position is part of the Hamann-Todd Biography Project, an ongoing research collaboration focused on restoring personhood and identity to the individuals within the Hamann-Todd Human Osteological Collection. The people in this skeletal collection died in Cleveland primarily between 1910-1939 and were anatomized by the Western Reserve University (now Case Western Reserve University) Medical School. In the 1960s, most of the individuals were rehoused at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History on permanent loan, where the collection is now curated by the Anthropology staff. The collection includes extensive archives that provide a critical link to who these individuals were in life, and often include (when known) their name, age at death, cause of death, and body size and measurements. The Hamann-Todd Biography Project seeks to reconstruct individual life histories through archival and genealogical research.
The intern will adapt established protocols to build dossiers of information for individuals in the collection, integrating existing paper and digital records with their own external research. Drawing on new and existing datasets, the intern will develop an archives-based research project. The internship will culminate in the creation of narrative-style biographies for a subset of individuals in the collection that will form a basis for future community consultations, public engagement, and science communication. Upon the project's completion, the intern will have gained experience in archival and genealogical research methods, project management, and science communication. They will also make recommendations that will help inform ethical best practices for ongoing curation and research.
This is an 8-week program at 40 hours per week (320 hours). Exact dates will be arranged with your direct supervisors. Students must provide their own housing and transportation. Work is to be completed on site at CMNH, or hybrid on-site and remotely with travel to local archives and libraries as needed. Interns will present their internship-related activities at the Friends of CMNH annual August luncheon meeting. More information can be found here: Internships | Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Eligibility:
Program applicants must be attending an accredited college or university or must have graduated from college within the six months prior to application submittal
Required to Apply:
- Write a brief 1-2 page statement that:
- Details your background and research interests
- Explains why you are a good candidate for this position
- Describes your previous training and research experience
- Discusses how you expect to benefit from your experience as a Research Intern
- Curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation with your application. Alternatively, letter writers may email them directly to hr@cmnh.org
- Must be authorized to work in the United States
Application Deadline: March 6, 2026
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Responsible for assigned tasks associated with research activities including, but not limited to, archival and genealogical data collection, digitization, data management, inventorying, data analysis and interpretation, literature reviews, and report writing
- Assist in accurate record keeping of research activities and maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information.
- Responsible for the handling of Museum objects with care and attention in order to mitigate damage
- Assist in ordering supplies and equipment in support of research project
- Perform all duties according to established museum operating, safety, and environmental and quality policies
- Adhere to the CMNH Manual of Research and Collections Policies
- Performs other related duties as assigned
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Working knowledge of relevant research tools, including genealogical and research databases and digitization equipment and software
- Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail
- Interest in historical, archival, and/or genealogical research, previous research and project management experience preferred
- Display good judgement and discretion when working with sensitive materials
- Ability to handle collection objects carefully and safely to not cause damage
- Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications
- Ability to communicate effectively both written and orally
- Ability to work successfully with Museum members, employees and the general public
Working Conditions:
Conducting indoor research activities that may occasionally require physical effort. Position may require sitting, walking, standing, and reaching including stooping, kneeling, and crouching.
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, ADA EMPLOYER, and a SUBSTANCE-FREE WORKPLACE