Volunteering and Internships in Pittsfield
Volunteer Opportunities
Pittsfield's Volunteers
The majority of Pittsfield's volunteers are genealogists with an average ten years research experience. Most have New England roots but their roots extend across the seas as well. Pittsfield has several volunteers with expertise in German, Irish, and Polish research.
Typically, the volunteers are retired. Usually, a volunteer works a 3-4 hour shift, either in the morning or afternoon, working on a project or assisting in the reading room. If business is slow, most have their genealogies to work on and keep themselves very busy. Most volunteers work 42 weeks a year, with an average of 140 hours donated during the year. They are active in other community programs, with grandchildren, and doing their own research whether digging in a library, at a town office, or uncovering a long abandoned tombstone.
Type of Projects
Research Room - Greet visitors and answer questions about our genealogy microfilm and records, location, hours, and policies. Assist visitors using our microfilm readers, copiers, and NARA microfilm aids and catalogs. Transfer research calls to staff. May include conducting research in response to inquiries. Requires attention to detail, knowledge of genealogy research, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, especially patience and understanding when working with novice researchers.
Archival Projects - We are indexing New York passenger arrival manifests into Castle Garden (1847-1891). We are also creating a database of given name translations. Projects change over time so contact jean.nudd@nara.gov for complete information. Requires attention to detail.
Outreach - Prepare and present talks regarding how to research NARA's genealogical records. Ideal for those who are experienced genealogists with prior presentation or public speaking experience.
Friends of the Silvio O. Conte National Archives - The Friends support the programs of the National Archives by providing resources for volunteer award ceremonies, secondary source materials and even purchasing microfilm for the reading room. They publish a nationally recognized quarterly newsletter, Archival Anecdotes as well as running an on-site bookstore filled with genealogy materials. The Friends are always looking for help; volunteers to serve on the board of directors, to work in the bookstore, to assist with volunteer coordination, and to work on Archival Anecdotes.
How to Apply
Fill out and mail in the Volunteer Application Form
For more information, contact the Volunteer Coordinator:
National Archives and Records Administration
Northeast Region Pittsfield
10 Conte Drive
Pittsfield, MA 01201
413-236-3604
E-mail: jean.nudd@nara.gov
Internship Opportunities
Profile of an Intern
Pittsfield's interns are usually college students but post-graduate students as well as high school seniors also work as volunteers at the National Archives. Most interns at the Pittsfield facility discover the world of genealogy and assist researchers with the microfilm reading room.
Depending on the length of the internship, interns work either every day for six to eight weeks or once or twice a week for a longer period. The work interns do and the skills needed are basically the same as those of the volunteers.
Type of Projects
Interns learn the basic skills of archival reference work. They might also work on any current projects at the facility.
How to Apply
For more information, contact the Internship Coordinator:
National Archives and Records Administration
Northeast Region Pittsfield
10 Conte Drive
Pittsfield, MA 01201
413-236-3604
E-mail: jean.nudd@nara.gov
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