Historians job and career information

Career:
Historian

Job Description: Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.

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What Historians do:

Trace historical development in a particular field, such as social, cultural, political, or diplomatic history.
Gather historical data from sources such as archives, court records, diaries, news files, and photographs, as well as collect data sources such as books, pamphlets, and periodicals.
Conduct historical research, and publish or present findings and theories.
Organize data, and analyze and interpret its authenticity and relative significance.
Organize information for publication and for other means of dissemination, such as use in CD-ROMs or Internet sites.

Research the history of a particular country or region, or of a specific time period.

Determine which topics to research, or pursue research topics specified by clients or employers.

Prepare publications and exhibits, or review those prepared by others in order to ensure their historical accuracy.

Collect detailed information on individuals for use in biographies.

Teach and conduct research in colleges, universities, museums, and other research agencies and schools.

Speak to various groups, organizations, and clubs in order to promote the aims and activities of historical societies.

Present historical accounts in terms of individuals or social, ethnic, political, economic, or geographic groupings.

Advise or consult with individuals and institutions regarding issues such as the historical authenticity of materials or the customs of a specific historical period.

Interview people in order to gather information about historical events, and to record oral histories.

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.

Recommend actions related to historical art, such as which items to add to a collection or which items to display in an exhibit.

Conduct historical research as a basis for the identification, conservation, and reconstruction of historic places and materials.

Coordinate activities of workers engaged in cataloging and filing materials.

Edit historical society publications.

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What work activities does a Historian do?

Importance		Activities
		Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
		Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
		Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
		Communicating with Persons Outside Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
		Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

		Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
		Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
		Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
		Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
		Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
		Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
		Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
		Interacting With Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
		Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
		Provide Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
		Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
		Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
		Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
		Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
		Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
		Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
		Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.