Historian, Public

A public historian researches, analyzes, interprets, and presents history to the public through a variety of media, including exhibits, publications, documentaries, and public programs. They work in a variety of settings, including museums, historical societies, archives, libraries, and government agencies. Public historians play an important role in preserving and sharing our collective history, and they help us to understand the past and its relevance to the present.

Responsibilities

Public historians have a wide range of responsibilities, depending on their specific job title and the organization they work for. Some common responsibilities include:

• Researching historical topics
• Developing and delivering public programs
• Writing and editing historical publications
• Curating museum exhibits
• Preserving and managing historical artifacts
• Providing expert testimony on historical matters

Public historians must have a strong understanding of history and be able to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively to the public. They must also be able to work independently and as part of a team.

Education and Training

There is no one-size-fits-all educational path to becoming a public historian. However, most public historians have a master's degree in history or a related field. Some public historians also have a doctorate in history. In addition to formal education, public historians often gain experience through internships and volunteer work.

Skills and Experience

Public historians need a strong foundation in history, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with the public. They also need to be able to work independently and as part of a team. Other important skills for public historians include:

• Research skills
• Writing and editing skills
• Public speaking skills
• Project management skills
• Interpersonal skills

Public historians often specialize in a particular area of history, such as American history, European history, or Asian history. They may also specialize in a particular type of public history, such as museum studies, archival studies, or historic preservation.

Career Prospects

Public historians work in a variety of settings, including museums, historical societies, archives, libraries, and government agencies. They may also work as independent consultants or freelance writers. The job outlook for public historians is expected to be good in the coming years, as there is a growing demand for public historians to help preserve and share our collective history.

Self-Guided Projects

There are a number of self-guided projects that students can complete to better prepare themselves for a career as a public historian. These projects can help students to develop the skills and knowledge that they need to be successful in this field. Some examples of self-guided projects include:

• Volunteering at a local museum or historical society
• Conducting research on a historical topic
• Writing a historical paper or article
• Developing a museum exhibit
• Creating a historical website or blog

Online Courses

Online courses can be a helpful way for students to learn about public history and to develop the skills that they need to be successful in this field. Online courses can provide students with access to a wide range of resources, including lectures, readings, and assignments. They can also provide students with the opportunity to interact with other students and with instructors.

Some of the skills and knowledge that students can gain from online courses in public history include:

• Research skills
• Writing and editing skills
• Public speaking skills
• Project management skills
• Interpersonal skills

Online courses can be a helpful learning tool for students who are interested in pursuing a career as a public historian. However, online courses alone are not enough to prepare students for this career. Students who are serious about becoming a public historian should also consider pursuing a formal education in history and gaining experience through internships and volunteer work.