The role of a historian is often misunderstood, sometimes pictured as someone who only memorizes dates or works in dusty, forgotten archives. A historian is more accurately an investigator and a storyteller of the past. They ask questions about how the present world came to be and seek out the evidence needed to answer those questions. This process involves piecing together clues from the past to create a narrative that helps explain ourselves to us.
The Core Work of a Historian
The work of a historian revolves around inquiry. It begins with a question about the past, and to answer it, historians gather data by locating and evaluating information for authenticity and significance.
A main distinction in their research is between primary and secondary sources. Primary sources are the raw materials of history—original documents like letters, diaries, laws, and census data, or physical artifacts like pottery, tools, and photographs. These items offer a direct, unfiltered window into a particular time and place. Historians must critically assess these sources, considering the author’s perspective, purpose, and potential biases to understand their true meaning.
Secondary sources are interpretations written by other historians, like books and scholarly articles. These works provide context and expose the researcher to existing debates on their topic. Reviewing this literature helps a historian identify gaps in the historical record and formulate a unique argument.
After analyzing evidence, the historian’s final task is to synthesize the information into a coherent narrative or argument. This is a constructed interpretation presenting a new perspective on the past. The findings can be communicated through mediums like books, academic papers, museum exhibits, or documentary films.
Common Career Paths for Historians
A historian’s skills are applied in various professional settings, allowing them to engage with the past in diverse ways.
Academic Historian
Many historians work in colleges and universities as professors. Their role is twofold, balancing teaching responsibilities with original research. As educators, they design courses, deliver lectures, and guide students in developing their own understanding of history. Simultaneously, they are active researchers who spend a significant amount of time investigating their specialized topics, with the goal of publishing their findings in books and peer-reviewed articles.
Public Historian
Public historians work in environments like museums, national parks, and historical societies. Their function is to make history accessible for the general public. This can involve designing interactive exhibits, leading tours, or developing educational programs for community outreach.
Archivist or Curator
For those who enjoy working directly with historical materials, a career as an archivist or curator is a common path. Archivists are responsible for preserving, organizing, and managing collections of historical documents, photographs, and records. Curators perform a similar function but typically work with artifacts and objects in a museum setting. Both roles involve the careful conservation of materials to ensure they are available for future researchers and the public.
Government Historian
Various government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels employ historians. They might work for the Department of State, branches of the military, or national archives. In these roles, they provide historical context to inform policy decisions, maintain official records, and write commissioned histories of agencies or specific events. Their work ensures that decision-makers have access to a thorough understanding of past precedents and outcomes.
Corporate Historian
A less common but growing field is that of the corporate historian. Companies hire historians to manage their archives, preserve their institutional memory, and leverage their history for branding and marketing purposes. This can involve researching the company’s origins, documenting its evolution, and creating content that tells the organization’s story. This work helps companies build a strong sense of identity and connect with their customers on a deeper level.
Essential Skills for a Historian
Success as a historian requires detailed research, critical thinking, and strong communication skills. Research involves sifting through information to identify relevant sources and extract key details. Critical thinking is used to analyze sources for authenticity and bias. Finally, clear writing is needed to construct persuasive arguments and present findings in an engaging narrative.
How to Become a Historian
Becoming a professional historian begins with a bachelor’s degree in history, the standard starting point. It provides a broad understanding of different eras and foundational training in research and analysis. This degree can open the door to some entry-level positions.
For advanced roles, a master’s degree in history provides deeper knowledge in a specific area. It is often a prerequisite for positions in public history, archives, and government.
The highest level of education for a historian is the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). A Ph.D. is almost always a requirement for becoming a tenure-track professor at a college or university. This intensive program involves years of original research culminating in a dissertation, a book-length manuscript that offers a new contribution to the historical understanding of a specific topic.
The Importance of Historians Today
The work of historians holds significant relevance in the modern world. Studying the past helps societies understand the origins of current events, allowing leaders to learn from past successes and failures. Historians also preserve cultural identity by sharing the stories of diverse groups, ensuring their experiences are not forgotten. Examining historical injustices provides lessons that can guide society toward a more equitable future.