The work of a historian is a dynamic field of investigation and interpretation. Historians use a unique combination of skills to analyze how past events have shaped the modern world. They are active interpreters whose work is applied in a variety of fields that influence our daily lives, from museums to government policy.
The Primary Role of a Historian
A historian’s primary role is to research, analyze, and interpret the past. They seek to move beyond a simple timeline of events to understand the complex web of causes and effects that drive historical change. This involves examining sources to build a narrative that explains not just what happened, but why it happened and how it continues to influence the present.
The goal is to provide context, helping society appreciate the diverse cultures that came before and make more informed decisions about the future.
The Historian’s Process of Inquiry
The work of a historian is a methodical process of inquiry that begins with research. This phase involves gathering information from two distinct types of sources: primary and secondary. Primary sources are the raw materials of history, such as letters, diaries, government records, photographs, and artifacts created during the period being studied.
Secondary sources are works that analyze or synthesize information from primary sources, including academic books, journal articles, and documentaries. Historians use these to understand how other scholars have interpreted a subject and to place their own research into a broader scholarly conversation.
Once sources are gathered, the historian moves into a phase of critical analysis. This involves evaluating each piece of evidence for its authenticity, reliability, and potential biases. A historian must ask questions about the creator of a source, their motivations, and the intended audience to understand its context fully. For example, a government report and a personal diary might offer vastly different perspectives on the same event.
The final stage is interpretation and synthesis, where the historian constructs a coherent argument or narrative based on the evidence. They weave together information from various primary and secondary sources, highlighting connections and explaining contradictions. This narrative is then communicated through books, articles, museum exhibits, or presentations.
Essential Skills for Success
To successfully navigate the process of inquiry, a historian must possess a distinct set of skills. Analytical and critical thinking abilities are needed to deconstruct sources, question assumptions, and identify logical inconsistencies or biases in arguments. This skill is not just about finding information but about evaluating its credibility and understanding its deeper meaning.
Research skills are the foundation of historical work. A historian must be an investigator, adept at locating evidence in archives, libraries, and digital databases. This requires persistence in tracking down elusive information to fill in gaps in the historical record and a high attention to detail to ensure facts are recorded accurately.
Strong communication skills, particularly in writing, are also required. A historian must take complex information and synthesize it into a clear and persuasive narrative. Whether writing a scholarly book or a museum label, the ability to construct an argument supported by evidence is what makes historical work accessible.
Common Career Paths for Historians
The skills cultivated through historical study are transferable to a wide array of professions.
- Academia: The traditional path for a historian is working as a professor at a college or university. In this role, historians teach courses, mentor students, and conduct original research in their area of specialization. A significant part of their work involves publishing findings in scholarly books and articles.
- Public History: Public historians work to make history accessible to the general public. They are employed in museums, archives, national parks, and historical societies as curators, archivists, or preservationists. Their duties include creating exhibits, managing collections of artifacts, and developing educational programs for visitors.
- Government and Intelligence: Government agencies at all levels employ historians to provide context for policy-making and to maintain institutional histories. They work for organizations like the Department of State and the CIA, where their research skills are used to analyze past events to inform current strategic decisions.
- Corporate and Private Sector: An increasing number of businesses hire historians to manage their archives and document their organizational history. This history can be leveraged for branding and strategic planning. Some historians also work as consultants, providing research for legal cases or other business needs.
- Writing and Media: A historian’s expertise in research and narrative construction is well-suited for careers in writing and media. Many become authors of popular history books, while others work as journalists or documentary filmmakers. They may also serve as consultants for film and television to ensure historical accuracy.
Educational Requirements
The educational path for a historian begins with a Bachelor’s degree in history, which provides a foundational understanding of historical methods. While this degree opens doors to various fields, most professional roles require advanced education. A Master’s degree is the standard for positions in public history, such as in museums, archives, and government agencies.
A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is necessary for those aspiring to become university professors or to lead high-level research projects. Ph.D. programs involve years of specialized study and completing a dissertation based on original research. This training prepares historians for careers dedicated to scholarship and university-level teaching.