Archives & Special Collections Practicum
Who: Undergraduate juniors and seniors at Louisiana colleges and universities
When: Summer, six weeks from June to July
Where: Onsite at HNOC in the French Quarter
The Archives and Special Collections Practicum at HNOC presents an opportunity for aspiring public history professionals to immerse themselves in the study, preservation, and engagement with collections that embody the rich cultural heritage of Louisiana. This program is meticulously designed to foster experiential learning through a structured curriculum that emphasizes practical skills and professional development in key areas such as library and information sciences, archival management, historic research and writing, curation, and collections care.
The practicum not only equips students with foundational knowledge, but also empowers them to become proactive stewards of cultural heritage. By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application, participants will emerge prepared to navigate the complexities of the public history landscape and contribute meaningfully to the preservation of Louisiana’s unique historical narrative.
Practicum Engagement
- Interactivity with Collections:Students will engage directly with diverse archival materials and special collections, enabling them to understand the significance of these resources within the broader context of Louisiana history.
- Practical Skill Development:Through hands-on experiences under the guidance of experienced staff at the Williams Research Center, students will develop transferable skills essential for careers in public history, including effective research methodologies, curation practices, and fundamental techniques of collections management.
- Professional Standards:The practicum aims to instill an understanding of structured and measurable standards of engagement within the field, ensuring that students appreciate the importance of ethical practices in archives management.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of the Archives and Special Collections Practicum, interns will be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of fundamental archival and collections management principles and practices relevant to the profession of public history.
- Apply formal procedures in managing collections, including cataloging, preservation, and curation.
- Conduct rigorous historical research and articulate findings through written communication.
- Foster critical thinking skills through the analysis of primary sources and their implications for understanding Louisiana's cultural landscape.
- Prepare for professional opportunities in archives management and public history through experiential learning and networking with industry professionals.
Available Opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
Qualified candidates are undergraduate students of junior or senior classification, currently enrolled in a Louisiana-based four-year college or university. Students of humanities, foreign languages, ethnic and cultural studies, fine arts, and social sciences are encouraged to apply.
The Archives and Special Collections Practicum is offered annually during the summer, typically six weeks over June and July.
Yes. Practicum participants are expected to report onsite to the Historic New Orleans Collection’s French Quarter campus four days a week. Specific project assignments may require a degree of hybrid or remote work.
All practicum participants are issued an official uniform polo that is to be worn weekly with casual bottoms (jeans permitted). Some engagement activities may require business casual attire.
Yes. Applications are open to students attending any Louisiana-based four-year college or university,
Yes. Like all HNOC internship and fellowship programs, the Archives and Special Collections Practicum is a paid program.
Participants of the Archives and Special Collections Practicum can expect to work approximately 20–30 hours per week through the duration of the program. A specific project schedule will be coordinated by the Internship Coordinator.
Yes. HNOC coordinates and covers the full cost of housing for all non-local practicum participants.
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