Intern - Community Engagement Research Intern
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LOCATION: History Center - 345 W Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102
COMPENSATION: Typical starting salary $17.02 hourly
HOURS: This is a part-time, temporary position from approximately January 19, 2027 to August 29, 2027. A part-time intern must be available to work 8-15 hours per week. This position offers a flexible work schedule, coordinated with the intern’s school schedule and operational needs. Preferred working hours are 5 hour shifts Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays (flexible).
POSTING DATE: October 7, 2026
DEADLINE DATE: October 26, 2026
SEMINAR EVENTS: 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, February 4 from 11:30am-1:00pm
Thursday, March 18 from 1:00-3:00pm
Thursday, April 22 from 2:00-4:00pm
Final Presentations: May 23 from 11:30am-1:00pm
TO APPLY: Interested applicants must apply online at the Minnesota Historical Society’s career center at www.mnhs.org/jobs and include a cover letter, resume, and any required additional materials by the application deadline date.
DESCRIPTION: This position will support the Inclusion and Community Engagement Department in archival research of the history of the Twin Cities Japanese American Citizens League (TCJACL). The Twin Cities chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League was established in 1946 and is a national membership organization dedicated to secure and maintain the civil rights of Japanese Americans and all others victimized by injustice. The research intern will create a detailed timeline of the eighty years of the organization’s history as it relates to the broader history of the Japanese American community in Minnesota and the United States. They will produce a report documenting the contents of archival records of the TCJACL for researchers.
This internship position is essential to contextualizing the role of the Japanese American community in broader social justice movements in Minnesota and community building efforts for social justice.
This position will include work in person at the Minnesota History Center, remote (hybrid), and research in archives at the University of Minnesota, East Side Freedom Library, and other relevant archives.
RESPONSIBILITIES: 1) Research of archival materials at the Gale Family Library, East Side Freedom Library, University of Minnesota, Densho Digital Repository, and/or other holding institutions to gauge the breadth of records relating to the TCJACL; 2) Develop a plan for how best to preserve materials, as well as sharing the catalogue with researchers, including, but not limited to recommendations for revisions to MNHS Library Research Guides (such at the Military Intelligence Service Language School at Fort Snelling); 3) Explore how archival records may contribute to expanding public access of materials, including, but not limited to digitization, online repository and other digital tools; 4) Create a prioritization plan for potential digitization; 5) Attend meetings, community gatherings or events with the TCJACL as needed; 6) Create a physical or digital history timeline to be shared as a resource at events, tabling and online; the history timeline should include the history of the TCJACL organization as it relates to broader AAPI history, civil rights and social justice movements; 7) Present a draft community timeline at the Day of Remembrance event in February, 2027 and potentially other programs; 8) Communicate regularly with community engagement staff on project logistics and updates; 9) Meet with MNHS staff and attend department meetings as needed.
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: History, Archival Science / Library Science, Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia, Journalism, Ethnic Studies, American Studies, Asian American Studies, Public History and Museum Studies
Some experience doing archival research.
Experience with community engagement and public participation projects
Ability to work occasional weekends and evenings to attend community events, meetings, programs, or for meeting community partners.
Excellent communication skills
Interest in Asian American history and culture.
Preference given to applicants with experience working with BIPOC communities and/or other underrepresented communities
Should you have questions with the application process, email internships@mnhs.org or call 651-259-3191.
At MNHS, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our employees, interns, volunteers, our products and services, and our community. The Minnesota Historical Society believes that an inclusive culture among our team members is critical to our success as a historical society and museum, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and employer.
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