Franklin County, Pennsylvania Selected to Host Prestigious 2026 NAGARA Internship Program

Per a press release from the National Association of Government Archives and Records Administrators (NAGARA), Franklin County, Pennsylvania, has been chosen as the host institution for its 2026 Internship Program. This selection comes after a record number of applications from institutions interested in mentoring emerging professionals in government archives and records management. Franklin County was chosen from a competitive pool of ten applicants by NAGARA’s Internship Subcommittee, highlighting the program’s growing prominence and the association’s commitment to developing future leaders in the field.

The NAGARA Internship Program, established in 2020, aims to provide valuable, paid, hands-on experience for students and early-career professionals in government archives and records management. The program offers a unique opportunity for interns to work directly with historical government documents and contribute meaningfully to the host institution. To date, NAGARA has allocated $11,500 in funding for five student interns, demonstrating a consistent investment in fostering new talent within the profession. This initiative provides essential practical experience, complementing academic learning and preparing individuals for successful careers in preserving and managing public records.

For the 2026 internship, the selected individual will collaborate closely with the Archives and Records Management staff at Franklin County. The intern’s responsibilities will include the processing and detailed description of historically significant county records. This will involve hands-on work with large-format tax maps and aerial photographs, researching their historical context and use within county government. The intern will also develop organizational tools to enhance the accessibility and discoverability of these materials and create descriptive metadata and finding aids specifically designed for public users. Furthermore, the internship will encompass assisting with digitization efforts, engaging in public outreach activities, and generating documentation that improves access for researchers and the wider community.

Beyond the specific project-based work, the intern will gain comprehensive exposure to the multifaceted operations of a county archives and records management program. This will be facilitated through mentorship, opportunities for job shadowing, and interaction with staff involved in records preservation, access, and public services. The program is structured to support the development of professional skills while ensuring the intern completes a tangible body of work that can be showcased in a professional portfolio. NAGARA expressed gratitude to all institutions that submitted applications to host the 2026 program, acknowledging their dedication to supporting the next generation of records management professionals. Applications for the Franklin County Archives & Records Management Internship are being accepted until February 13.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from NAGARA.

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