Do you have an interest in historical research and want experience in archival work? Do you want to put your knowledge of history and your research skills to good use this summer?

The Richards Civil War Era Center at Penn State invites applications from qualified Penn State undergraduate students for one paid position at The John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress during the summer of 2026. The internship provides students with hands-on experience in archival research and development of projects, supporting scholars in residence. This noncredit internship comes with a $10,000 stipend to cover housing and board for eight weeks. The position begins Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

Since its founding in 2000, the John W. Kluge Center has hosted residential scholars from around the world who use the collections of the Library of Congress for research. A central part of its mission is to connect thought and action by bringing the fruits of these intellectual labors to lawmakers and other policymakers who can use them to better the nation.

The John W. Kluge Center is looking for an intern who:

Is interested in the humanities and social sciences and experiential learning in the nation’s capital. Interns are assigned to work on research projects, broadly in the humanities and social sciences, for the Center’s scholars in residence. In addition to these projects, interns will have the opportunity to help with event programming for the public and congressional audiences.

Interns typically work at their internships four days per week, then participate in a seminar class on Fridays, where they engage with speakers on a variety of topics as well as tour places such as the Supreme Court, U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress, and the Smithsonian museums.

Interns will have the opportunity to:

• Experience how the Library of Congress works through hands-on learning at the Kluge Center in your chosen field of study/interest;
• Develop research and writing skills, and support Kluge fellows in their research;
• Learn about careers in your field of interest;
• Experience working in an office environment, which will develop their professional skills and networking opportunities;
• Meet other interns from other institutions also a part of the summer cohort.

This fellowship may be of particular interest to students interested in continuing to graduate education. It is open to juniors and seniors.

Application process: Applicants must have at least a 3.0 grade-point average at Penn State University Park and have not graduated by the time of the internship. Applicants must submit: 1) a one-page statement of interest detailing why they would like to work at the Kluge Center and how they think the experience will further their education, 2) a résumé, 3) one letter of recommendation from a faculty member (email is acceptable), and 4) an unofficial transcript (it is not necessary to provide a certified official Penn State transcript).

A complete application must be received by Monday, February 9, 2026.

Direct all application materials to Sasha Coles, Richards Center Assistant Director for Undergraduate Internships, at sfc5843@psu.edu. For more information, contact Assistant Director Coles and/or visit the Richards Center website.

Funding is made possible through the generous support of Larry and Lynne Brown, Matthew Isham, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.