What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manresa Archive Digitization Intern (Digitization and Archiving Intern) position at Manresa Island Corp?
About Manresa Island Corp.
Join Manresa Island Corp. in creating something extraordinary - a groundbreaking transformation of a decommissioned power plant into a dynamic, publicly accessible park that sets new standards for ecological restoration and community engagement. This first-of-its-kind project will feature year-round programming, direct coastal access, educational spaces, and university-led research opportunities - all while restoring and celebrating the site's unique coastal ecosystem.
This is a rare opportunity to be part of a visionary team that's redefining what's possible in urban coastal development. We're creating more than a public space - we're building a legacy that will inspire similar transformations across the country, proving that industrial sites of the past can become thriving natural habitats and community destinations of the future.
Articles/Resources about Manresa Island Corp:
https://www.manresaislandpark.org/
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/30/arts/design/manresa-island-park-norwalk-mcchord-ingels.html
https://www.courant.com/2024/10/01/absolutely-dazzling-gift-billionaire-couple-buying-ct-island-for-125-acre-shoreline-public-park/
https://www.thehour.com/news/article/norwalk-manresa-island-austin-allison-mcchord-20063520.php
https://big.dk/projects/manresa-island-19379
About the Internship
Working with our preservationist and the Chief Operating Officer to create a priorities list, the Manresa Archive Digitization Intern will digitize select photographs and documents/ manuscripts in the Manresa Island Corp. Archive.
The Manresa Archive Digitization Intern will then catalogue the digitized files using our collections management software and prepare the catalogue record for online sharing.
Throughout the digitization process, the Manresa Archive Digitization Intern will also be tasked with assessing the archival storage boxes to determine whether items need to be rehoused, completing the necessary rehousing, and creating/updating box level finding aids.
The period of the internship will last from June 2, 2025 – July 31, 2025, for approximately 30-35 hours per week.
- Digitize document/manuscript and photograph collections
- Catalogue all archival documents/manuscripts and photographs
- Prepare all catalogue records for online viewing
- Assess archival storage and complete rehousing, if necessary
- Create and/or update box level finding aids for documents/manuscripts and photographs
- Create 1-2 weekly social media posts related to the internship, i.e. best practices, current project, archival piece, etc
- Additional duties as assigned
Specifically, the intern will gain knowledge in the following areas:
- Care and handling for archival objects
- Archival identification and connoisseurship
- Database functions
At the end of the project, the intern will have produced digitized and catalogued records for Manresa Island Corp., aiding in the accessibility of the archival collection.
This internship role is essential in shaping and sharing the history and journey of Manresa Island Park.
We ask that those applying are able to be on-site for their internship and live in the Connecticut/NYC area. Those interested should have some experience with and a good understanding of archives, handling fragile materials, and history.
Basic analytical and problem-solving skills, including issue identification and prioritization.
Basic project-organization skills.
Excellent attention to detail.
Ability to collaborate and achieve results with supervision, including ability to interact professionally with key internal and external stakeholders as needed. Public contact and ability to work successfully in close proximity to others required.
Strong organizational skills required, with ability to prioritize, multi-task efficiently, and meet deadlines in a timely fashion.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work effectively with culturally diverse colleagues; connections to or experience helping to engage culturally diverse audiences and partners a plus.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products required, including Outlook, Word, and Excel. Familiarity with social media platforms required.
Be able to work 30-35 hours per week.
Regular and reliable attendance required.
Bachelor’s level studies (or equivalent years of experience) required; current or rising seniors or graduate students preferred. Studies or demonstrated interest in related subject matter, museums, collections, library science, and/or archives, preferred.
For this internship, Manresa Island Corp. is offering a stipend of $6,000.
How to Apply
Please forward your résumé and a short cover letter indicating interest and why you would be a good fit for this internship to Bérénice Sylverain, Chief of Staff (berenice@manresaislandpark.org). You will not be considered if the aforementioned is not adhered to. We very much look forward to hearing from you!
Deadline to Apply: Monday, Apr 21, 2025
Interviews commence: Wednesday, Apr 23, 2025
Decision to be made by: Monday, May 19, 2025 (or sooner)
May you have a beautiful day.