Lesbian Herstory Archives Internships: Preserving and Promoting Lesbian History
The Lesbian Herstory Archives (LHA), located in Park Slope, Brooklyn, NYC, stands as a unique institution dedicated to preserving and making accessible the rich and often marginalized history of lesbians. As an all-volunteer-run, 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization, the LHA relies on the passion and commitment of volunteers and interns. The Archives receives no government support, emphasizing its grassroots nature and dedication to community empowerment. Internships at the LHA offer invaluable opportunities for students and individuals to contribute to this vital mission while gaining hands-on experience in archival practices, research, and community engagement.
The Lesbian Herstory Archives: A Bastion of Lesbian History
Since its inception, the Lesbian Herstory Archives has been completely managed and staffed by volunteers from the Lesbian community. One of the Archives' core principles is that the people doing the work of the Archives should make decisions about the Archives. To that end, a Coordinating Committee manages the Archives. Those on the Coordinating Committee have each taken on a specific area of responsibility to ensure that the Archives continues to run as smoothly as possible. Coordinators meet every three weeks to discuss and make decisions on policy, planning, fundraising, arranging special events, fulfilling speaking requests, and producing our newsletter.
Volunteers and interns, as well as coordinators, staff the Archives several days and evenings each week, keeping the Archives open for researchers and visitors. The day-to-day work of keeping the Archives functioning includes filing, cataloguing, clipping newspaper articles and magazines, responding to research requests and reference questions, arranging and giving tours, processing special collections, and the myriad of other tasks that arise from day to day. Any volunteer, at any time, may take on a responsibility or special project that interests them. This can range from filing to gardening or repair work.
Internship Opportunities at the LHA
The Lesbian Herstory Archives offers a range of internship opportunities for individuals interested in gaining experience in library and archival practices, particularly those with a demonstrated interest in Lesbian Studies, History, and Activism. These internships are designed to be mutually beneficial, matching interns with their interest areas based on a wide variety of options. Interns sometimes initiate their own projects. The Archives’ structure/process combines individual autonomy with group goals and consensus decision-making.
Opportunities abound to work on lesbian collections in various formats, including audio, video, and text. Interns may contribute to digitization efforts, exhibition development, cataloging projects, and the organization of events. The LHA also welcomes volunteers. Starting in November 2022, the LHA began hosting limited open volunteer hours for new volunteers to join in the work of organizing and cataloging the collection.
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Internship Structure and Expectations
The LHA asks for a commitment of at least ten hours per week for no less than eight weeks, though more hours per week for a shorter period of time may also be arranged. Days and hours of interning are arranged in accordance with the needs of both the intern and LHA. The Archives strives to keep its doors open a maximum number of hours/days a week; interns can arrange schedules for both days and evenings, during the week and on weekends.
An appropriate match between a coordinator and an intern will be established to provide both orientation and ongoing supervision. Interns have direct contact with Archives coordinators and volunteers. Beyond this, interns are expected to be comfortable with working autonomously.
Application Information
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. When applying, it is important to include the word “Internship” and the semester for which you are applying in the subject line. Please note that the LHA cannot provide housing for interns, and all internships are unpaid.
A phone interview, correspondence, or a visit to the Archives is conducted to determine whether an internship is of mutual interest. Interns should have a personal interest in and commitment to the Archives’ mission. Ease in working with a diverse public is an asset. No specific coursework or academic background is required. Archives Coordinators include professors, librarians, teachers, writers, community cultural workers, social workers, filmmakers, graduate students, artists, craftswomen, journalists, and translators.
Summer 2025 Internship Opportunity
The Lesbian Herstory Archives Special Collections Team is looking for Summer 2025 archival processing and research interns from June-August. The projects include processing incoming special collections, as well as reprocessing small collections to ingest into our new catalog and finding aids. The internship includes a special project which can take many forms: continuing processing larger collections, event creations, pop-up exhibitions, donor relations, long-form writing, creating your own research guide, and more! The special collections team is prioritizing interns who can work more than 20 hours a week with no archival experience needed. This internship is UNPAID since we are an all volunteer collective.
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The Volunteer Experience
Volunteers and interns, as well as coordinators, staff the Archives several days and evenings each week, keeping the Archives open for researchers and visitors. The day-to-day work of keeping the Archives functioning includes filing, cataloguing, clipping newspaper articles and magazines, responding to research requests and reference questions, arranging and giving tours, processing special collections, and the myriad of other tasks that arise from day to day. And, any volunteer, at any time, may take on a responsibility or special project that interests them. This can range from filing to gardening or repair work.
Volunteer nights are a great way to meet others in the community, discuss community events and issues, and learn more about our herstory. The Book Project, for instance, met once per month for over five years. The LHA always needs and welcomes new people to our growing group of Archives volunteers.
The Significance of the LHA
The Lesbian Herstory Archives plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting lesbian history, culture, and activism. By offering internships and volunteer opportunities, the LHA empowers individuals to contribute to this important mission while gaining valuable skills and experience. The Archives' commitment to community involvement and consensus-based decision-making fosters a welcoming and collaborative environment for all who participate.
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