National Archives at Boston

Volunteer and Internship Opportunities at the National Archives at Boston

Please Note: The National Archives at Boston is not accepting applications for new intern or volunteer positions at this time. We will update this page when additional positions become available.

Volunteer Opportunities

refer to caption

 

View our Volunteer Brochure

The National Archives at Boston depends on its volunteers, who commit their own time in service to the agency and the American people. All volunteers complete a Volunteer Application Form and when accepted, undergo a thorough background check. All volunteers must be American citizens.

Volunteer opportunities exist in the following areas:

Reference

Assist visitors with research in our public reference room, most of which is genealogical. This may include conducting research on Ancestry, FamilySearch, or the NARA catalog. Requires attention to detail, knowledge of genealogy and historical research, specifically with online genealogy research programs, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, especially patience and understanding when working with the public and novice researchers.

Archival Processing

Assists staff in the preservation and description of historical 19th and 20th-century federal records. Suitable only for those with capabilities for hands-on work with historic records. Training in preservation and archival practices is provided. Requires strict attention to detail, ability to handle delicate records, an interest in American history. May require work with electronic databases.

How to Apply

For more information, contact the Volunteer Coordinator:
National Archives at Boston
380 Trapelo Road
Waltham, Massachusetts 02452

boston.archives@nara.gov

Fill out and mail in the Volunteer Application Form

Internship Opportunities

About the National Archives

The National Archives administers a nationwide network of facilities, serving both the public and federal agencies. The National Archives at Boston is:

  • Part of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), the federal agency that, by law, preserves and provides access to permanently valuable, non-current federal records with historical, legal, or fiscal value.
  • One of 14 NARA facilities where the public has access to federal archival records.
  • A depository and center for research in historical records from federal agencies and courts in the New England states.
  • A sponsor of programs that educate the public about archives, scholarship, history, and related subjects.
  • A partner with colleges and universities, historical societies, museums, genealogy groups, and leading cultural and social institutions.
  • A national resource in a local setting.

About our Internships

Learn more about the internship program and our opportunities.

Top