United States Golf Association Museum Archives

Internship Program

Overview:
Founded in 1894, the United States Golf Association (USGA) is the national governing body for golf in the United States.  The USGA's mission is to preserve and promote the history and best interests of the game of golf.  The USGA accomplishes its mission by conducting national championships, writing and interpreting the Rules of Golf and Amateur Status, and serving as the authority in all matters relating to the game of golf. 

The Museum collection includes antique and vintage equipment, clubs of USGA champions, architectural plans, trophies and decorative arts. The historical archives include a library of books, manuscripts and periodicals, regarded as the most complete collection of golf literature in the world, and collections of historical films, videos and photographs. 

Objective:
An internship at the United States Golf Association is an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to gain valuable, hands-on experience in archival administration, library management, museum practices, preservation and historical scholarship.  The internship program is project-oriented and designed to coincide with student interests and professional goals.  Working with a professional staff, interns receive one-on-one attention in their chosen field.  Internships are almost always available in the following areas:

Museum:
Interns assist the Museum Registrar in organizing the museum collection, which includes antique and vintage equipment, clubs of USGA champions, architectural plans, trophies, textiles and decorative arts.  Tasks include rehousing collection items, developing inventories and creating accession, donor and curatorial files.  In addition, interns will assist staff in accessioning, cataloguing and conducting preservation assessments of the collection.

Exhibitions and Research:
Interns assist the Museum and Archives staff in updating current exhibits and developing temporary or traveling shows.  Tasks include artifact research and selection, exhibit preparation and installation, label writing and monitoring environmental conditions.  Interns work with the Registrar to schedule traveling exhibits and coordinate artifact loans. 

Library:
Interns help the Librarian identify, document and catalogue the library's holdings that include books (both current and rare), periodicals and institutional records using the InMagic cataloging system and the Library's classification system.  Interns answer reference requests and assist researchers using the facility.  In addition, interns have the opportunity to create bibliographies and research packets on certain golf topics. 

Archives:
Interns work with the Librarian to evaluate, arrange and describe, and process archival collections.  Collections include individual papers, correspondence, institutional records, oral histories and scrapbooks.  Finding aids will be produced and made available on the USGA's Web site.  Interns will also help to develop and implement proper storage procedures and provide preventive conservation measures when necessary.  Finally, interns will help to develop a records management program and records retention schedule for the Museum's records.

Photos, Film and Video Collection:
Interns work with the Photo and Film and Video Archivists to evaluate, arrange and describe and catalogue the photograph and film and video collections.  The photo collection contains 500,000 images documenting USGA championships and golfing personalities.  The film and video collection contains thousands of feet of footage of USGA championships.  Interns will help fulfill reference requests, rehouse the collection and research certain images for historical information and copyright purposes.  In addition, interns will assist the staff in cataloguing and conducting preservation assessments of the collection.

Education Program:
Interns assist the Education and Outreach Coordinator in developing and implementing an education program for local grade school and high school students.  Responsibilities include developing curriculum, arranging school trips, assisting schools during their visits and conducting post-visit evaluations.  

General Information:
Internships are open to college seniors and graduate students.  Positions are competitive and available only in the summer.  The deadline for the summer is April 1.  All internships are paid positions.  Interns are expected to work approximately 35 hours per week during the summer months although accommodations can be made for certain situations.  Interviews will be requested of qualified candidates.  The number of interns varies per semester depending on the availability of projects.  Every effort will be made to match the skills and interest of the prospective interns with the priorities of the department. 

How to Apply:
A completed application form includes the following:

• A one-page statement describing your reasons for pursuing an internship at the USGA and what you hope to accomplish.
  
• A resume outlining your educational and professional experiences, including a list of relevant courses.
• One letter of recommendations from current or past professors and/or employers.