How to Be Historic Site Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 8, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The historic site manager is responsible for ensuring the preservation and protection of historic sites. This position is essential to protect irreplaceable artifacts, monuments, and buildings that are important to our collective cultural heritage. By taking on this role, the manager safeguards these important pieces of our past, helping to educate and inspire future generations about our shared history.

In doing so, the manager must ensure that proper conservation and restoration techniques are employed, that any renovations are in line with historical guidelines, and that access to the site is maintained in accordance with regulations. Furthermore, the manager must ensure that accurate records are kept and that visitors are provided with accurate information about the site. By taking on the role of historic site manager, the individual helps ensure that our past is preserved and accessible for years to come.

Steps How to Become

Obtain an Educational Degree. To become a Historic Site Manager, you should have at least a bachelors degree in history, museum studies, or another related field.
Gain Relevant Experience. Experience in the field of history, museums, or preservation is essential for becoming a Historic Site Manager. You should gain experience through volunteering, internships, or part-time jobs.
Develop Your Skills. Historic Site Managers need to have strong communication, research, and organizational skills. It can be helpful to take additional classes or workshops in public speaking and grant writing.
Get Certified. Many states and organizations offer certifications in museum studies and preservation that can help you stand out in the job market.
Consider Postgraduate Studies. Pursuing postgraduate studies can give you a competitive edge and provide additional training in management and leadership.
Network. Connecting with other professionals in the field can help you find job opportunities and build your professional network.

The role of a Historic Site Manager is a critical one in preserving a site's historical significance. Without skilled and capable managers, the site would be at risk of damage, destruction, and even complete loss. Poor management could lead to the neglect of conservation measures that are needed to protect the site from further deterioration.

inadequate management could lead to the lack of adequate resources for the maintenance and upkeep of the historic site. This would result in the site becoming vulnerable to vandalism, theft, and other forms of destruction. Furthermore, without proper management, the site would lack the proper financial resources to ensure its preservation and upkeep.

having skilled and capable Historic Site Managers is essential to keeping a historic site safe and secure for future generations to enjoy.

You may want to check Historian Archivist, History Lecturer, and Music Historian for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and implement preservation strategies for historic sites.
Monitor and analyze the condition of historic buildings and structures.
Prepare and present research reports, interpretive exhibits, and educational materials on historic sites.
Coordinate and oversee the maintenance, repair, and conservation of historic sites and artifacts.
Identify and apply for grants to fund research projects and for the preservation of historic sites.
Evaluate the impact of proposed development plans on historic sites.
Develop and implement safety protocols to protect visitors from potential hazards at historic sites.
Collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies to promote public awareness of historic sites.
Develop and implement policies for the use of historic sites by the public and special interest groups.
Manage budgets, staff, and volunteers at historic sites.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of the history and culture of the location being managed.
Excellent organizational and communication skills.
Ability to develop effective marketing strategies and programs.
Ability to create and maintain budgets and financial records.
Ability to recruit and manage staff.
Strong customer service skills.
Knowledge of preservation techniques and regulations.
Ability to develop educational programs and materials.
Knowledge of security systems and procedures.
Ability to operate a variety of office machines, such as computers, faxes, and copiers.

The ability to effectively manage a historic site is essential to preserving its integrity and its importance in the community. Effective management involves the ability to communicate and collaborate with a variety of stakeholders, including local government, historical societies, local businesses, and the public. the manager must be knowledgeable about the history of the site, understand the cultural significance of the site, and be able to develop strategies to ensure the site remains an important part of the community.

Furthermore, they must be organized and able to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously. Finally, they must have strong problem-solving skills to be able to deal with any issues that arise. These skills are necessary for a successful historic site manager, as they allow them to create a safe and inviting environment for visitors, while maintaining the sites integrity and ensuring its relevance for years to come.

Historical Documentation Specialist, Oral Historian, and Chief Historian are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How have you demonstrated leadership skills in past professional roles?
In what ways have you successfully managed a historic site?
Describe how you would ensure the preservation of artifacts and records at a historic site?
What strategies would you use to engage the public and promote a historic site?
How would you collaborate with other organizations to develop programs for a historic site?
What methods do you use to ensure accurate historical information is presented to visitors?
How would you approach developing a budget and managing costs for a historic site?
Describe your experience with fundraising and grant writing for a historic site.
How have you developed and implemented marketing plans for a historic site?
What have you done to ensure the health and safety of visitors and staff in a historic site setting?

Common Tools in Industry

GIS Software. GIS (Geographic Information System) software is used to create and manage geographic data, analyze spatial relationships, and visualize data on interactive maps. (eg: ArcGIS)
Presentation Software. Presentation software helps to create visual aids such as slideshows, animations, and other visual displays. (eg: Microsoft Powerpoint)
Database Management System. Database management systems are used to store, organize, and analyze data. (eg: MySQL)
Project Management Software. Project management software helps manage the budget, timeline, and resources of a project. (eg: Microsoft Project)
Document Management System. Document management systems are used to store, organize, and share digital documents. (eg: Adobe Acrobat)
Research Tools. Research tools are used to conduct research, gather data, and analyze information. (eg: Qualtrics)
Content Management System. Content management systems are used to create, manage, and publish website content. (eg: WordPress)
Social Media Management Platforms. Social media management platforms are used to manage social media accounts and track analytics. (eg: Hootsuite)
Event Planning Software. Event planning software helps organize and plan events from start to finish. (eg: Eventbrite)
Survey Software. Survey software is used to create surveys and questionnaires, collect data, and analyze results. (eg: SurveyMonkey)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association for State and Local History (AASLH)
International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)
National Council on Public History (NCPH)
Professional Association of Museum Staff (PAMS)
Society for American Archaeology (SAA)
National Association for Interpretation (NAI)
Association of National Park Rangers (ANPR)
National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP)
American Institute for Conservation (AIC)
International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM)

We also have Historical Strategist, Biographical Historian, and Historian Writer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Heritage Management. The process of managing and preserving cultural and natural heritage for future generations.
Monument. A structure or object that is set apart as a memorial or reminder of a person, event, or object.
Historic Preservation. The practice of preserving historic buildings, sites, and artifacts for their educational, aesthetic, and cultural value.
Site Management Plan. A document that outlines the objectives, management strategies, and actions required to maintain the integrity of a historic site.
Archaeological Survey. A systematic examination of a site to identify archaeological remains and assess their significance.
Interpretation. The process of presenting an interpretation of history or cultural heritage to the public in an engaging and meaningful way.
Conservation. The process of protecting, preserving, and restoring historic buildings, sites, and artifacts for future generations.
Risk Assessment. The evaluation of a situation to determine the potential for harm or damage.
Museum Collections Management. The process of overseeing the acquisition, preservation, and usage of museum objects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Historic Site Manager? A1: A Historic Site Manager is a professional responsible for the conservation, maintenance, and promotion of historic sites or properties. Q2: What qualifications are needed to become a Historic Site Manager? A2: To become a Historic Site Manager, one typically needs a degree in history, museum studies, or a related field, as well as experience in the management of historic sites. Q3: What are the duties of a Historic Site Manager? A3: The duties of a Historic Site Manager can include overseeing research and documentation, designing and executing conservation and restoration projects, creating and implementing site safety protocols, and developing educational programs for visitors. Q4: How many Historic Site Managers are there in the United States? A4: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 5,500 Historic Site Managers employed in the United States as of 2019. Q5: What is the median salary for a Historic Site Manager? A5: The median annual salary for a Historic Site Manager was $51,510 as of 2019.