How to Be Historical Preservation Specialist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 3, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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FAQ

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The importance of historical preservation has grown in recent years, as it helps to protect pieces of our past from being lost forever. Preservation specialists work to preserve physical remains of the past, such as monuments, buildings, and artifacts. Their work also helps to prevent further damage to these historical sites.

By examining existing structures and artifacts, they can better determine which areas need to be protected and conserved. Furthermore, they can provide detailed records and plans on how to best preserve these historic places. This information can then be used to educate others about our shared history, as well as provide guidance on how to better protect these sites in the future.

the preservation of our history is vital to understanding our past, and the work of historical preservation specialists is essential in making this possible.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. Pursue a bachelors degree in history, architectural history, archaeology, anthropology, or a related field. During your studies, consider taking classes that focus on architectural conservation, museum studies, historic preservation, and historic interpretation.
Participate in an Internship. Look for internships that provide hands-on experience in the field. This will give you a better understanding of the work required by a historical preservation specialist.
Consider Certification. Consider obtaining voluntary certification through the National Council for Preservation Education. This will help validate your qualifications and give you an edge in the job market.
Pursue Graduate Studies. Consider furthering your education and pursuing a graduate degree in historic preservation or a related field such as public history or urban planning. This will give you a more in-depth knowledge of the field and may provide you with more career opportunities.
Seek Employment. Look for job opportunities with local and state governments, private organizations, and museums. You may also consider working as a consultant for architectural firms and engineering companies.

Historical preservation is a vital part of our society and culture, and staying ahead and capable requires adequate resources and knowledge. To be successful, one must invest in education, research, and technology; develop strong communication and collaboration skills; and build strong relationships with key stakeholders. Furthermore, understanding the latest trends in preservation and the current needs of the community can help in providing the best possible solutions. By utilizing these strategies, one can stay ahead and capable in the field of historical preservation and ensure that our shared history is preserved for future generations.

You may want to check Biographical Historian, Military Historian, and Family Historian for alternative.

Job Description

Museum Curator
Architectural Historian
Historical Preservation Coordinator
Historic Preservation Consultant
Historic Preservation Planner
Restoration Technician
Archaeologist
Museum Educator
Cultural Resources Specialist
Preservation Technician

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of federal, state, and local preservation regulations and guidelines
Ability to interpret and apply historic preservation principles
Familiarity with historic architecture principles, theories, and practices
Understanding of preservation ethics, materials, and technologies
Proficiency in building codes, environmental regulations, and zoning laws
Capacity to develop and implement preservation plans and strategies
Familiarity with cultural resource management principles, standards, and procedures
Ability to document and analyze sites, structures, and artifacts
Competency in archaeological field survey techniques
Proficient in the use of mapping, survey, and database software
Excellent communication, negotiation, and public relations skills
Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills

Historical preservation specialists must possess a variety of skills in order to be successful in their role. The ability to research, analyze, and interpret historical records is essential as it allows specialists to accurately document the history of a site. Other important skills include knowledge of architectural history, knowledge of building and construction techniques, experience with computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), and the ability to work with various local governmental entities.

Furthermore, the ability to work with the community to ensure accurate and complete preservation is essential. Having these skills allows historical preservation specialists to evaluate a sites historical significance, identify and mitigate potential threats, and create plans for preservation and restoration. In turn, this helps to ensure that the historical significance of a site is maintained for future generations.

Visual Historian, Historian Archivist, and Historic Site Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What motivated you to pursue a career in Historical Preservation?
Describe a project that you have worked on in the past related to Historical Preservation.
What challenges have you encountered in managing projects related to Historical Preservation?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest developments in Historical Preservation?
What do you believe are the most important elements of successful Historical Preservation?
How do you ensure that projects adhere to local, state and federal regulations in regards to Historical Preservation?
Describe your experience working with different stakeholders and communities on projects related to Historical Preservation.
What strategies do you use to protect and preserve historical sites?
How do you balance conservation efforts with the need for progress?
What measures do you take to ensure that cultural heritage is respected when carrying out Historical Preservation projects?

Common Tools in Industry

Laser Scanning. A tool used to capture three-dimensional data on an object or location. (eg: 3D laser scanning to document a historic building)
Photogrammetry. A tool used to create three-dimensional models from photographs. (eg: Using photogrammetry to measure the erosion of a rock formation over time)
Geographic Information System (GIS). A tool used to visualize, analyze, and store geographical data. (eg: Using GIS to map historical land use patterns)
Archival Management Software. A tool used to organize, store, and access digital records. (eg: Using archival management software to digitally preserve historical documents)
3D Printing. A tool used to create physical replicas of objects or locations. (eg: 3D printing to replicate a historic artifact)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Trust for Historic Preservation
American Association for State and Local History
Society of Architectural Historians
Association for Preservation Technology
National Council for Public History
International Council on Monuments and Sites
American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works
National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers
National Alliance of Preservation Commissions
American Cultural Resources Association

We also have Ethnographic Historian, Oral Historian, and Historic Preservation Officer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Archeology. The scientific study of human activity through the recovery and analysis of material culture.
Conservation. A process of protecting and preserving cultural heritage sites and artifacts.
Cultural Resources Management. The management of cultural resources such as buildings, landscapes, and artifacts for their historical, scientific, educational, or aesthetic value.
Historic Preservation. The protection, restoration, and maintenance of historic buildings, districts, and landscapes.
National Register of Historic Places. A program of the National Park Service which lists and recognizes historic places in the U. S. for their significance.
Preservation Planning. A process to identify and protect significant cultural resources through public policy and legislation.
Restoration. The process of returning a historic building or site to its former condition.
Adaptive Reuse. The process of reusing a historic structure for a purpose other than its original use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Historical Preservation Specialist?

A Historical Preservation Specialist is a professional who is responsible for the conservation and protection of historical and cultural sites.

What qualifications are required to become a Historical Preservation Specialist?

To become a Historical Preservation Specialist, one must typically have a minimum of a bachelors degree in history, archaeology, anthropology, museum studies, or a related field, as well as knowledge and understanding of the preservation process.

What types of activities do Historical Preservation Specialists typically perform?

Historical Preservation Specialists typically perform a variety of activities such as researching historical events, developing preservation plans and strategies, surveying and assessing historic sites, and advocating for the protection of endangered cultural or historical sites.

What type of organizations employ Historical Preservation Specialists?

Historical Preservation Specialists are typically employed by federal, state, and local governments, non-profit organizations, historical societies, museums, universities, and private consulting firms.