The work of a historian is an active profession centered on investigation and interpretation. By studying the past, they provide a lens through which we can understand the complexities of our present world. Historians are tasked with piecing together the stories of humanity through a rigorous process of inquiry that informs how societies remember themselves and navigate the future.
What Does a Historian Do?
A historian’s primary function is to research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past. This process begins with questions, such as how a social movement began, what caused an economic shift, or how a technology changed daily life. These questions guide their investigation and set the parameters for their search.
The next step is gathering historical data from sources like government records, personal diaries, letters, newspapers, and photographs. Historians spend significant time in archives, libraries, and museums, sifting through materials to find relevant information. This is a targeted search for evidence that can shed light on their research question.
Once evidence is gathered, the historian’s focus shifts to analysis and interpretation to construct a coherent narrative or argument. The final step is communicating their findings. This can take many forms, from scholarly books and articles to museum exhibits and documentaries, presenting a clear interpretation of past events.
Essential Skills and Methods for Historians
Historians rely on specialized skills and methodical practices. The work demands sharp critical thinking and analytical abilities to read large volumes of material, identify main arguments, and synthesize complex information. This allows them to recognize patterns and themes within the historical record.
A primary method is distinguishing between primary and secondary sources. Primary sources are firsthand accounts or original materials from the time period under study, such as letters, photographs, or official records. Secondary sources, like scholarly books and articles, are interpretations of primary sources written by other historians.
Evaluating sources for reliability is a process known as source criticism. Historians assess the authorship, purpose, and potential bias of every document they use. They ask questions about who created the source, their intention, and what perspective is being presented or left out to build a balanced understanding.
Strong research skills are needed for systematic archival work in physical or digital collections. Equally important is the ability to weave evidence into a compelling narrative and communicate complex findings clearly in writing and oral presentations to a wide range of audiences.
Common Career Paths for Historians
The skills acquired through historical study open doors to a diverse range of professional fields. The reality of a historian’s career is broad, spanning public institutions, government agencies, and private corporations.
Academic Historian
The most traditional path is that of the academic historian, who works as a professor at a college or university. Their responsibilities include teaching history courses and conducting original research in their specialization. They also publish their findings in scholarly journals and books and contribute to the academic community.
Public Historian
Public historians work to make history accessible to a general audience in museums, historical societies, and national parks. Their work can involve creating museum exhibits, designing educational programming, or managing preservation projects. Public historians often collaborate with community members to connect the past with present-day concerns.
Archivist
Archivists are the caretakers of historical records in universities, corporations, and government institutions. They appraise, process, and preserve valuable documents and artifacts. A historian’s background is beneficial in this role, as it provides the context needed to understand the significance of records and assist researchers in navigating the collections.
Government Historian
Federal, state, and local governments employ historians in various capacities. These professionals may conduct research for government agencies, provide historical context for policy decisions, or work on historic preservation initiatives. For example, a military historian might advise on foreign policy by studying past conflicts.
Corporate Historian
A growing number of corporations hire historians to manage their institutional memory. A corporate historian documents the company’s history, identifying trends that can inform future business strategies. They may conduct archival research into the company’s records, create materials for marketing and public relations, and help preserve the organization’s unique culture and legacy.
Educational Pathways to Becoming a Historian
The journey to becoming a professional historian is rooted in formal education, with specific degrees serving as gateways to different career paths. The level of education corresponds to the specialization and responsibility of the desired role.
A bachelor’s degree in history is the foundational step, introducing students to historical periods and the skills of research, analysis, and writing. A bachelor’s degree can qualify individuals for some entry-level positions. It also serves as a stepping stone to further education or careers in related fields like journalism or law.
For many specialized roles, a master’s degree is the standard requirement in fields like public history, museum studies, or archival management. A master’s degree is necessary for positions as archivists, museum curators, and for many jobs in public history. These programs include internships, providing practical experience.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is the highest level of education and is required for those who wish to become academic historians at universities. A Ph.D. is also needed for most high-level research and administrative positions in government or major cultural institutions. Doctoral programs involve intensive research culminating in a dissertation.
The Role of Historians in Society
Historians play a part in shaping how a society understands itself. By studying the past, they provide the context to make sense of current events, political debates, and cultural shifts. Their work allows communities to learn from past successes and failures, which can inform decisions about the future.
The work of historians contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage and public memory. They curate the stories and artifacts that define a community’s identity, ensuring diverse experiences are recorded. By interpreting historical items for the public, they make the past accessible and relevant.
Historians also contribute to a more empathetic understanding of the human experience. Exploring the lives of people from different times and cultures helps to humanize the past and challenge simplistic narratives. This fosters a greater appreciation for diversity and awareness of how historical legacies influence the present.