Historians
Overview
Historians are like detectives of the past who research and analyze historical documents, artifacts, and sources to uncover stories from different time periods. They work in museums, archives, universities, and historic sites, using both traditional research methods and modern digital tools to authenticate historical materials and trace how events unfolded. These professionals engage with the public through educational programs, preserve important artifacts, and write books or articles sharing their discoveries. A history degree is typically required, and many historians enjoy collaborative work environments where they can share findings with colleagues and the community.
Did you know?
Most historian positions in the United States require a Master's degree or PhD, making graduate education essential for career advancement.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$74,201.72 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Service Orientation
Key Responsibilities
- Recommend actions related to historical art, such as which items to add to a collection or which items to display in an exhibit.
- Conserve and preserve manuscripts, records, and other artifacts.
- Teach and conduct research in colleges, universities, museums, and other research agencies and schools.
- Advise or consult with individuals and institutions regarding issues such as the historical authenticity of materials or the customs of a specific historical period.
- Collect detailed information on individuals for use in biographies.
- Gather historical data from sources such as archives, court records, diaries, news files, and photographs, as well as from books, pamphlets, and periodicals.
- Organize data, and analyze and interpret its authenticity and relative significance.
- Speak to various groups, organizations, and clubs to promote the aims and activities of historical societies.
- Conduct historical research, and publish or present findings and theories.
- Research the history of a particular country or region, or of a specific time period.
- Interview people to gather information about historical events and to record oral histories.
- Edit historical society publications.
- Present historical accounts in terms of individuals or social, ethnic, political, economic, or geographic groupings.
- Prepare publications and exhibits, or review those prepared by others, to ensure their historical accuracy.
- Translate or request translation of reference materials.
- Research and prepare manuscripts in support of public programming and the development of exhibits at historic sites, museums, libraries, and archives.
- Organize information for publication and for other means of dissemination, such as via storage media or the Internet.
- Conduct historical research as a basis for the identification, conservation, and reconstruction of historic places and materials.
- Trace historical development in a particular field, such as social, cultural, political, or diplomatic history.
- Determine which topics to research, or pursue research topics specified by clients or employers.
- Coordinate activities of workers engaged in cataloging and filing materials.
Career Considerations
Advanced Degree Requirement
Most historian positions in the United States require a Master's degree or PhD, making graduate education essential for career advancement.
Highly Competitive Academic Market
The academic job market for historians is extremely competitive, with far more qualified candidates than available tenure-track positions.
Diverse Non-Academic Opportunities
Historians can pursue alternative careers in museums, government agencies, archives, consulting firms, and digital humanities projects beyond traditional academia.