Joseph Kohl Digitization Internship
Joseph Kohl Digitization Internship | Winter/Spring 2026
The Maryland Center for History and Culture (MCHC) is offering paid internship focused on the digitization of MCHC collections. The intern will perform scanning, metadata cleanup and enhancement of our digital collection’s resources. This is an opportunity for a student or recent graduate to gain hands-on technical experience in object handling, digital imaging, technical writing, inclusive language, and digital accessibility. The intern will work under the direction of the Director of Digital Collections and Initiatives and have opportunities to intersect with Special Collections Archivists, Museum Educators, and Curatorial staff throughout their work.
This internship has been generously funded by the Kohl family.
Responsibilities:
- Scan collections material and document observational data;
- Organize metadata according to established guidelines;
- Research topics from archival objects to update the metadata, enhance object descriptions, and apply controlled vocabularies (including Library of Congress name authority files and subject headings.)
Requirements:
- Currently enrolled as an undergraduate, pursuing a graduate degree in museum studies, information studies, history, or a related program, or a recent graduate from such a program. Preference will be given to candidates with completed coursework related to museum studies, library science, archives, information science, public history, or curatorial studies.
- Effective communicator and able to work with minimal supervision;
- Good organizational and interpersonal skills;
- Close attention to detail;
- Proficient with technology and able to learn new systems and software;
- Must be able to commit 10 hours per week on-site;
About the Position:
- $3,000 stipend for 240 hours of work, typically performed 10 hours per week for 24 weeks (over two semesters);
- Complimentary MCHC membership, including free library and museum admission;
- Free onsite parking;
- Selected intern must submit to a background check.
How to Apply:
- Please apply via this online form. Use password mdhistory https://airtable.com/appbtSsbjBZGfYegy/pagVvJUSZtuI95Och/form
- Applications are due by July 14th, 2025;
- Selected candidates will be invited for an online interview;
- The internship is anticipated to run from September 3rd, 2025 – May 9, 2026, with a 4 week break over the winter holidays.
MCHC’s Mission:
The Maryland Center for History and Culture collects, preserves, and interprets the history, art, and culture of Maryland. By exploring multiple perspectives and sharing national stories through the lens of Maryland, MCHC inspires critical thinking, creativity, and community.
About MCHC:
The Maryland Center for History and Culture is an equal opportunity employer that seeks to educate people of all ages about the American experience through the rich history of Maryland using their collections and to preserve important objects and archival materials from prehistoric Maryland to the present day. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other status protected by law and strongly encourage all qualified professionals to apply. The Maryland Center for History and Culture collects, preserves, and interprets the history, art, and culture of Maryland. By exploring multiple perspectives and sharing national stories through the lens of Maryland, MCHC inspires critical thinking, creativity, and community. Learn more at mdhistory.org.
About Joseph Kohl
Joseph Kohl (1957-2002) was a photographer whose professional career in Baltimore spanned from the early 1980s to his death in 2002. While still a student at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, he began working in photojournalism as an intern at The Baltimore Sun before graduating with a degree in Fine Arts. He went on to join the staff of The Baltimore News-American in 1981 and worked for several local publications as a freelance photographer, including the City Paper, the Baltimore Business Journal, the Baltimore Alternative, and several others. Many of his photos received national syndication. He also photographed for a variety of commercial clients, from modeling agencies to law firms.
Outside of his professional work, Kohl produced a record of Baltimore’s bohemian culture that aligned with his own social life and personal curiosities, which extended to the city’s erotic sub communities, small-venue rock concerts, and queer nightlife. His work was exhibited at Maryland Art Place and School 33, and he identified himself not only with the trade of photography but with the community of artistic photographers in Baltimore. The photographer Carl Clark (1933-2015), who was Kohl’s closest friend at the time of his death, compared him to the famed New York City Street photographer Arthur “Weegee” Fellig (1899-1968) for his eye for unusual people and refusal to denigrate them with his camera. Kohl died of leukemia at age 44 in 2002.
Check out a small sampling of Kohl’s work here