Program Overview

AHHA gives the next generation of archivists and knowledge workers invaluable opportunities to analyze, organize, and interpret collections or programs that help share the story of the American experience. Internships and projects will heighten visibility for Library resources that represent the rich heritage of the United States.

Program Focus

AHHA offers undergraduate juniors and seniors, graduate students and recent graduates insights into the Library of Congress collections — the world's largest and most comprehensive repository of human knowledge. Interns will work under the supervision and guidance of a senior specialist and learn the standards and techniques to properly arrange and provide descriptions for archival collection materials.

The program focuses on building awareness of how unique historical records are analyzed, organized, and described in order to make them available for research and educational use. Interns will have the opportunity to explore historical documents representing rich creative and intellectual resources, while working under the direction of library specialists in various divisions.

Interns will develop knowledge of the types of materials within the Library’s collections, including how they are collected, acquired, cataloged, preserved, interpreted, and shared, and the procedures governing their use; develop and maintain personal contacts and cooperative work relationships with librarians and others throughout the Library, with colleagues in other intern programs, and with subject matter experts to provide or exchange information; present information to groups and persons with similar understanding of the subject; and attend workshops, seminars, or meetings in relevant fields for professional development.

Learn more about the AHHA experience by viewing videos and reading publications created by interns on the AHHA Overview page.

Selection Process

Applications will be forwarded to selecting officials in the Library who will arrange telephone or Zoom interviews with promising applicants based on materials submitted. Letters of recommendation are not required for this application; references will be called for top candidates. Selectees will be provided with detailed information about onboarding and preparing for the internship.

A complete application package consists of:

1. resume
2. legible copy of latest college/university transcripts
3. names and contact information of two references, and
4. responses to vacancy questions

Note: All items must be submitted through USAJOBS during the open application period. Incomplete application packages will not be considered.

Projects for AHHA26 will be updated in spring 2026. Projects vary from year to year.

Interns will complete the following 6 onsite projects during AHHA 2025. All work for these projects will be completed entirely onsite within the Library’s Capitol Hill campus. Each intern will be assigned to work on one project as their primary responsibility, alongside other assignments that will introduce them to the range of LOC activity. Applicants will be asked to select their top two project choices in the application.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Once selected and hired for the internship, every effort will be made to accommodate project selections. Preferred project placement cannot be guaranteed and is subject to change. All project areas may not be available at the time applicants are selected and others may be added. Applicants should be sure to indicate two projects of interest within their applications.

• # 01 Engaging Youth and Families Onsite at the Library of Congress (Informal Learning Office)
• # 02 Discovering Data in Library of Congress Maps (Geography and Map Division)
• # 03 Discovering History within the Holdings of the Manuscript Division (Manuscript Division)
• # 04 Using Library of Congress Collections to Create a Local History (History & Genealogy Section)
• # 05 Library of Congress Pamphlet Collection Inventory (Library Collections and Services Group)
• # 06 American History in the Spanish Foreign Copying Program Records (Manuscript Division)

Project Descriptions

AHHA 2025 Projects

1. Engaging Youth and Families Onsite at the Library of Congress
   

   Project Description: The Informal Learning Office (ILO) intern will support content development for a new experiential youth learning space, The Source. During this onsite internship, the intern will learn about family and student visitors by staffing the Young Readers Center-Program Lab (YRCPL), participating in school group program testing, and observing informal learning interactions. Based on observations of visitors and knowledge of Library collections, the intern will develop self-guide materials for individuals and school groups. Supporting tasks include assessing school programs, working with specialists to determine collections materials for the self-guide and collecting feedback from families.

   Skills and knowledge required before the internship: Experience with children grades 4th through 8th, including teaching or student teaching, childcare, working at a camp, or volunteering at museums or other youth-serving institutions; degree or classes (either graduate or undergraduate) in Education, Library Sciences or Museum Studies.

2. Discovering Data in Library of Congress Maps
   

   Project Description: Many maps created in Europe and the Americas in the 18th and 19th centuries include data about current and past settlements and lands. The current bibliographic descriptions at the Library of Congress lack clear or complete references to this data. Working with scanned online maps and the senior cataloguing specialist, the intern will determine data to be collected from the maps that would be of particular interest to historians. With guidance, the intern will process data for addition to existing metadata descriptions, enabling much easier identification of cartographic resources that contain data for scholars, historians and other researchers. The intern will gain skill in reading and interpreting these maps while learning conventions of bibliographic description.

   Skills and knowledge required before the internship: Experience using Excel.

3. Discovering History within the Holdings of the Manuscript Division
   

   Project Description: Through hands-on learning under the guidance of an experienced archives specialist, this onsite project provides the intern with the opportunity to learn and apply archival standards and principles while processing and making available for research use several small, unprocessed accessions within the Manuscript Division. In addition to physical processing tasks, the intern will analyze subject content found in the materials, most of which date from the mid-20th century (mostly post-World War II). By the close of the project, the intern will share knowledge and lessons learned by means of a presentation to other Library staff.

   Skills and knowledge required before the internship: Ability to plan work and meet deadlines; think critically and propose resolutions to problems; work effectively and collaboratively in a team setting, and ability to communicate in writing; knowledge of American history and culture, and knowledge of a variety of office technology applications such as Microsoft Office Suite.

4. Using Library of Congress Collections to Create a Local History
   

   Project Description: The intern will work with the History & Genealogy team onsite, becoming familiar with research techniques and materials specific to local history and genealogy. The intern will apply these techniques during project research, using materials in the Library of Congress’s general and special collections. Library collection examples include existing local histories, poetry, drama, music, photos, newspapers, personal narratives, and maps. The intern will develop a case study and document their discovery process, which can be used by future researchers. The intern will create a presentation and blog post about their research and may also use geospatial mapping tools to create a story map.

   Skills and knowledge required before the internship: Basic research and writing skills and abilities and facility with productivity tools (Word, Google Docs, presentation software, etc.).

5. Library of Congress Pamphlet Collection Inventory
   

   Project Description: This onsite internship will contribute to an ongoing project focused on transferring a pamphlet collection’s currently available descriptive metadata to a LibGuide. The intern will focus on three to four countries of interest, review their pamphlet collections, revise the metadata to ensure optimal discovery, and transfer this metadata to a LibGuide. The intern will then write a blog post summarizing their experience and exploring possible avenues of interest to bring the pamphlet collection to a wide audience. The intern will gain experience creating metadata and conducting collections outreach, as well as increase their knowledge of history in the 20th and 21st centuries.

   Skills and knowledge required before the internship: Strong organizational and time management skills; attention to detail and ability to ensure standardization of descriptions; basic proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; ability to devise searches for databases and library catalogs to find and verify information.

6. American History in the Spanish Foreign Copying Program Records
   

   Project Description: The intern will work onsite with Manuscript Reading Room staff to describe various series from the Foreign Copying Program (FCP) Records in Spanish language, which were copied by Library staff in the first half of the 20th century from original records relating to American history held in overseas repositories. The FCP collections are among the division’s most complex holdings, yet least findable due to dated or scarce descriptions. The intern will compare information about the collection across old shelf lists, dated published guides, and catalogs and other guides available from repositories overseas. After gaining an understanding of a collection’s arrangement, series, and points of access, the intern will create shelf lists for different series and may begin work on a LibGuide. The intern will also co-author a blog post describing their work and/or project discoveries, gain archival and library skills, and participate in Library-sponsored panels or webinars.

   Skills and knowledge required before the internship: Experience using library catalogs and databases; ability to plan work and meet deadlines, and ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a team setting; knowledge of American history.

FAQs for AHHA

AHHA26 details will be updated in spring 2026.

1. What is GS-03/01 pay?

   These internships are part-time (20 hours per week), temporary staff positions at the 2025 GS-03/1 level: $17.61 hour.

2. What is the work schedule?

   Interns work 20 hours per week and determine with their Project Mentors the actual work schedule. With Project Mentor approval, some interns may choose to work every weekday while others may choose to work 3 – 4 days per week. For example:

   • Monday – Friday; 4 hours per day
   • Monday, Tuesday, Friday; 8 hours Monday and Tuesday; 4 hours Friday

   Those selected for this position must be available to work 20 hours per week for the entire 10-week program, Monday - Friday.

   Interns must be able to work part of their schedule within the hours of 9:30 am and 3:00 pm Eastern Time and attend a mandatory orientation on September 8, 2025 (9:00 am - 12:00 pm Eastern Time). 

   Interns must be able to report onsite for the entire duration of the internship. Interns are not eligible for regular telework.
   

3. Can AHHA interns work on the weekend?

   No. All work is completed Monday – Friday.

4. What is the location for this internship?

   All projects will be completed within the Library’s Capitol Hill campus. Depending on the project, interns will work in one of these three buildings:

   • Jefferson Building: 10 First Street SE, Washington, DC
   • Adams Building: 120 Second Street SE, Washington, DC
   • Madison Building: 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC
5. Are remote opportunities available?

   No. AHHA25 will be completed entirely onsite.

6. Do I need to provide a transcript?

   Yes. A legible copy of your latest college/university transcripts is required with your application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the time of application. Your transcript will be used to certify your eligibility for the program.

   Official transcripts will be required if selected for the position. Transcripts must be issued by the college or university, and must include your name, the name of the institution, and the courses and course dates. Screenshots, Word or other text documents, and stand-alone course lists are not acceptable. 

   Failure to submit the required legible documentation at the time of application will result in disqualification. If you do not have an unofficial transcript at your disposal, please submit another document from your institution and/or registrar’s office to certify your current enrollment.

7. What are the selecting officials looking for in the application?

   Selecting officials consider experience, education, and interests related to the projects.

8. I am interested in more than one project for this program. Can I apply to more than one? Must I submit separate applications for each?

   In the Vacancy Questions, you will be asked to select your two top project choices and describe how your education, experience, interests and/or training align with your selected projects.

   Note that you can only be selected for one project.

9. Can I do two projects at the same time?

   No. You can only work on one project for this internship.

10. I have not started my academic program yet. I am already registered for classes. Am I still eligible to apply?

    To be eligible, you do indeed need to be taking classes already, at the point of application (or be a recent graduate between December 1, 2024 - August 31, 2025). While you are unfortunately not eligible for the fall 2025 session of AHHA, please do look for upcoming internship opportunities at the Library of Congress.

11. Do you provide housing?

    No.

12. Do you provide relocation expenses?

    No.

13. Do you provide transportation?

    Onsite interns are eligible to receive a transit subsidy for local public transportation.

14. What steps should I take when preparing my application to make sure I qualify and meet the requirements for this opportunity?

    Assess your schedule in advance as much as possible to make sure you are able to meet the 20 hour per week time commitment within the hours of 9:30 am- 3:00 pm Eastern Time, Monday-Friday.

    Review the AHHA 2025 How to Apply Guide for step-by-step guidelines on preparing and submitting your application.

    Plan to submit your application in advance of the Monday, April 21 11:59 pm EST deadline. Applications cannot be accepted after the deadline.

    Draft and save your responses to the Vacancy Questions outside of the USAJOBS platform. This will guard against lost work in the event of technical or connectivity issues. Review your responses carefully before copying text into USAJOBS and submitting the application.

15. What are the Vacancy Questions required for this application? 
    • Describe how your education, experience, and/or training support the knowledge and skills required for your selected projects.
    • Describe how the Archives, History and Heritage Advanced Internship Program relates to your overall career goals and/or how you would benefit from working on your first and second choice projects.
    • Describe your interest in and/or experience with analyzing, organizing, and/or interpreting archival and/or heritage collections, resources and/or programs.

    We highly recommend that you craft responses that best demonstrate your writing skills. Selecting officials may consider your responses as writing samples, especially for projects that culminate in intern-produced written publications.

16. What should I include in my federal resume? 
    • Dates, hours, level of experience and examples for each work experience.
    • Volunteer work and roles in community organizations.
    • Numbers, percentages, and/or dollars that highlight your accomplishments.
    • Use a personal email address instead of a .edu address. School addresses sometimes block receipt of important Library communication.

    Find more details and guidance here: USAJOBS Help Center | What should I include in my federal resume?

17. How many academic credits do I receive in the program?

    The Library of Congress is not an academic institution and does not grant course credits. However, you may check with your school about receiving credits for your internship if interested.

18. I am not available to start the internship on Monday, September 8, 2025. Am I still eligible?

    No. We require all interns to report on the same day, Monday, September 8, 2025 for a mandatory orientation from 9:00 am-12:00 pm Eastern Standard Time. During the orientation, interns will meet Library staff and complete onboarding tasks.

19. I cannot work 20 hours per week for the 10 weeks of the program’s duration. Am I still eligible?

    No. The time commitment is not flexible, but we encourage you to apply for other Library of Congress opportunities in the near future if your schedule aligns.

20. Is a background check required?

    If you are selected, a background check will be required. You will be contacted by the Library’s Personnel Security Division with directions detailing how to proceed. Follow the directions carefully and complete the required tasks as soon as possible. Late submissions will impact the onboarding process.

21. If I am selected for this internship, will I need to affirm the Oath of Office?

    Yes. During the entry-on-duty process, all AHHA candidates take the Oath of Office, as required by 5 U.S.C. 3331 . Affirming the Oath of Office is a requirement for participation in this internship.

22. I am a currently enrolled Doctorate in Education student and my friend is a Doctor of Musical Arts candidate. Are we eligible to apply?

    Yes. Doctoral and Ph.D candidates from all fields and majors are eligible.

23. Can my internship lead to a full-time job?

    The internships come with no guarantee of permanent employment. However, we encourage those interested in careers at the Library of Congress to look at all job opportunities listed on the USAJOBS website and the Library’s Careers website. The new skills and experience gained during your time at the Library can be used as a stepping stone and the supervisor of your fellowship can be a valuable reference for your future job searches.

24. Will these internships be offered in the Spring or Summer?

    No. AHHA takes place once a year during the fall season. For additional information about internships and fellowships at the Library of Congress, visit the Internship and Fellowship Program portal: https://www.loc.gov/ifp Click on the Overview tab to explore other internships at the Library of Congress.

25. What is the timeline for selection notification?

    Selections for all 2025 AHHA interns are projected to be complete by late July 2025. Notices of selection or non-selection will be sent during the first week of August 2025. If you have questions regarding the USAJOBS vacancy announcement or the status of your application, please contact jobhelp@loc.gov .