Preservation Public Health History Intern

PLEASE NOTE: Although this posting may display a longer availability window on Handshake due to system requirements, applications for this internship must be submitted by June 12th.

Description: KCHD keeps an informal archive of pictures, awards, reports, and other important physical and digital pieces of local public health history. There is no catalogue or description of the archive, and items are stored haphazardly.

This project will focus on identifying, appraising, cataloging, digitizing, and preserving items in the archive. Additionally, the student will have the opportunity to made recommendations for additional projects and plans regarding the archive.

Importance to Public Health: Archives are "authoritative sources of information underpinning accountable and transparent administrative actions. They play an essential role in the development of societies by safeguarding and contributing to individual and community memory." (UNESCO). Specifically, "the history of public health is not only engaging but can provide very helpful perspectives on contemporary health issues" (Elizabeth Fee).

In 2031, KCHD will celebrate a 100 Year Anniversary. As the Department enters its second century, preserving the local history and narrative around public health will help future generations understand the importance of public health in Kent County and provide insight on health issues in the area.

The student will gain hands-on archival experience, including working with and cataloging physical and digital media and making informed decisions and recommendations to preserve and improve the archive in the future. The student will present on their internship experience at the KCHD Student Research Day.

Project Deliverables: 

Catalogue, describe, and assess items in KCHD's Archive
Make note of gaps in the archive & suggestions on filling them
Digitize and items in the archive when appropriate, based on student's assessment
Make recommendations for improving the storage and preservation of the physical items in KCHD's archive
Assist in the creation of a "Fish Tank" proposal for continued work on KCHD's archive in preparation of the 100 Year Anniversary of County Public Health Departments in Michigan. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

Must be enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program

• Must be enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program
• Computer proficiency is required
• Experience with statistical analysis software (SPSS, Stata, Python, Excel) preferred