The Maryland Center for History and Culture (MCHC) is offering a paid internship focusing on the digitization of our Library collections. The intern will perform scanning, metadata cleanup and enhancement of our digital collection’s resources. This is an opportunity for a student or recent graduate to gain hands-on technical experience in object handling, digital imaging, technical writing, inclusive language, and digital accessibility. The intern will work under the direction of the Director of Digital Collections and Initiatives and have opportunities to intersect with Special Collections Archivists, Museum educators, and curatorial staff throughout their work.

This internship has been funded by the Kohl family.

Duties:

• Scan archival material and document observational data;
• Organize metadata according to established guidelines;
• Research topics from archival objects to update the metadata, enhance object descriptions, and apply controlled vocabularies (including Library of Congress name authority files and subject headings.)

Requirements:

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate, pursuing a graduate degree in museum studies, information studies, history, or a related program, or a recent graduate from such a program. Preference will be given to candidates with completed coursework related to museum studies, library science, archives, information science, public history, or curatorial studies;
• Effective communicator and able to work with minimal supervision;
• Good organizational and interpersonal skills;
• Close attention to detail;
• Proficient with technology and able to learn new systems and software;
• Must be able to commit 10 hours per week on-site at MCHC;
• Selected intern will undergo a background check;

Benefits:

• $1,500 stipend for 100 hours of work, typically performed 10 hours per week for 10 weeks;
• Complimentary MCHC membership, including free Library and Museum admission.
• Free onsite parking

To apply:

• Please email your resume, cover letter, and contact information for two references to [email protected]
• Applications are due by September 12th, 2024;
• Selected candidates will be invited for an online interview;
• Internship schedule runs from October 1 – December 12, 2024 (1 week break for Thanksgiving holiday)

About MCHC:

• MCHC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. MCHC does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sex, ancestry, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, or military status.
• MCHC collects, preserves, and interprets the history, art, and culture of Maryland. By exploring multiple perspectives and sharing national stories through the lens of Maryland, the MCHC inspires critical thinking, creativity, and community.

About Joseph Kohl:

Joseph Kohl (1957-2002) was a photographer whose professional career in Baltimore spanned from the early 1980s to his death in 2002. Kohl was born in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, raised in Odenton, Maryland, and graduated from Arundel High School in Gambrills. While still a student at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, he began working in photojournalism as an intern at The Baltimore Sun before graduating with a degree in Fine Arts. He went on to join the staff of The Baltimore News-American in 1981 and worked for several local publications as a freelance photographer, including the City Paper, the Baltimore Business Journal, the Baltimore Alternative, the Baltimore Messenger, the Bowie Star, the Carroll County Times, the Jeffersonian, the Laurel Leader, Mid-Atlantic Gay Life, the Towson Times, and several others. Many of his photos received national syndication. He also shot for a variety of commercial clients, from modeling agencies to law firms.

Outside of his professional work, Kohl produced a record of Baltimore’s bohemian culture that aligned with his own social life and personal curiosities, which extended to the city’s erotic sub communities, small-venue rock concerts, and queer nightlife. His work was exhibited at Maryland Art Place and School 33, and he identified himself not only with the trade of photography but with the community of artistic photographers in Baltimore. The photographer Carl Clark (1933-2015), who was Kohl’s closest friend at the time of his death, compared him to the famed New York City street photographer Arthur “Weegee” Fellig (1899-1968) for his eye for unusual people and refusal to denigrate them with his camera.

Kohl died of leukemia at age 44 in 2002.

Check out a small sampling of Kohl’s work here:

https://www.mdhistory.org/digital-resource/?facets%5Bnames%5D%5B0%5D=koh...