How to Be Historiographer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

The invention of the printing press had a monumental effect on the spread of knowledge across the world. By making the production of books easier and faster, it enabled more people to access information and learn from it. This, in turn, led to the development of a new class of literate citizens and allowed for the proliferation of new ideas that would shape the modern world.

These include the rise of science, democracy, and the industrial revolution. Furthermore, the printing press sparked a revolution in the way information was stored and shared, paving the way for the internet and digital media.

Steps How to Become

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree. Historiographers typically have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in history or a related field, such as archaeology, anthropology, or sociology. During an undergraduate program, students typically take courses in a variety of topics related to history, including political and economic history, cultural history, and world history.
2. Develop Research Skills. Historiographers must be able to research and interpret source materials accurately. They need the ability to evaluate the reliability of sources and draw conclusions from those sources. This requires strong research skills, including the ability to use library resources, search for information online, and use other sources of data.
3. Obtain Experience. Historiographers often gain experience through internships or part-time jobs. Working as an intern or volunteer in a history-related field can help prospective historiographers gain practical experience and become familiar with the profession.
4. Earn a Master’s Degree. A master’s degree in history or a related field is usually required for historiographers. In addition to completing coursework, students often have to write a thesis or complete an internship.
5. Consider Certification. Historiographers may consider becoming certified in their field. Certification is available through the National Council on Public History and is designed to demonstrate competency in the field. To become certified, historiographers must meet certain educational requirements and pass an exam.

The ability to stay current and capable as a historiographer is largely dependent on one's ability to stay informed and well-versed in the latest developments in their field. This requires continuous learning and education, both through formal academic courses and independent studies. As a historiographer, one must also stay abreast of current events, as this can have an impact on the accuracy of their findings.

the use of technology, such as digital archiving tools, can help to keep a historiographer organized and efficient. Finally, being able to effectively communicate one's findings to a wide audience is essential for a successful historiographer. By staying up-to-date on the latest trends in the field, engaging in continued learning, utilizing technology to their advantage, and effectively communicating their findings, a historiographer can remain current and capable.

You may want to check Historic Preservation Advocate, Museum Registrar, and Historical Preservation Consultant for alternative.

Job Description

1. Conduct research and analyze historical documents to write accurate and comprehensive histories of events.
2. Write and publish scholarly articles and books on historical topics.
3. Develop educational materials, such as lesson plans, lectures, and museum displays related to historical events.
4. Utilize new technology to share historical information with the public.
5. Consult with colleagues, museums, and other organizations on the accuracy of historical facts.
6. Work with other professionals to develop movies, television shows, and video games based on historical events.
7. Maintain archives of photographs, documents, and artifacts related to history.
8. Present lectures and seminars on historical topics to students, teachers, and the public.
9. Develop research grants to fund scholarly work on history-related topics.
10. Review academic publications for accuracy and authenticity of historical facts.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of historical research methods and techniques
2. Ability to work with a wide range of primary and secondary sources
3. Strong writing and communication skills
4. Analytical and critical thinking skills
5. Ability to interpret and explain the significance of historical events
6. Understanding of social, political, and cultural context
7. Proficiency in a range of computer programs and applications used in research, data analysis, and presentation
8. Knowledge of archival management and preservation techniques
9. Ability to organize and manage projects with multiple stakeholders
10. Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team

The ability to research and analyze data is a vital skill for any Historiographer. They must be able to evaluate sources, determine their validity, and draw meaningful conclusions from them. Being able to craft an effective argument based on the evidence is essential in order to properly convey the story of the past.

Furthermore, writing skills are paramount in order to effectively communicate the story in a clear and concise manner. Historiographers must also have the ability to connect the past to the present, drawing connections between past events and modern day implications. By doing so, they can help to shape our understanding of our history in a meaningful way.

Museum Educator, Public Historian, and Historical Re-enactor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

• What inspired you to pursue a career in Historiography?
• What experience do you have researching, writing, and publishing historical documents?
• How do you stay up to date on changes in the field of Historiography?
• What methods do you use to ensure accuracy when researching historical information?
• How do you go about analyzing historical sources?
• How do you approach the task of interpreting and synthesizing evidence from multiple sources?
• What challenges have you encountered in the practice of Historiography?
• What methods do you use to effectively communicate complex historical information to an audience?
• How do you use technology to aid your research and writing?
• What strategies do you employ to ensure that your historical accounts are unbiased?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Microsoft Word. Word processing software used to create documents (e. g. research papers, books, resumes).
2. Microsoft Excel. Spreadsheet software used to create and manipulate data (e. g. financial statements, databases).
3. Adobe Photoshop. Image editing software used for photo manipulation, graphic design, and web design (e. g. creating logos, manipulating photos).
4. EndNote. Reference manager software used for organizing and citing sources (e. g. creating bibliographies, citing sources).
5. Zotero. Citation management software used for storing, organizing, and citing sources (e. g. creating bibliographies, citing sources).
6. Qualtrics. Survey software used to create and analyze surveys (e. g. creating questionnaires, analyzing survey responses).
7. Evernote. Note-taking software used to capture ideas and information (e. g. creating to-do lists, jotting down notes) .
8. Tableau. Data visualization software used to create interactive charts and graphs (e. g. creating dashboards, exploring data).

Professional Organizations to Know

1. American Historical Association
2. National Council on Public History
3. Society of American Archivists
4. Oral History Association
5. International Association of Professional Historians
6. National Council on History Education
7. Association for Documentary Editing
8. American Association for State and Local History
9. Organization of American Historians
10. Society of Historians of American Foreign Relations

We also have Historical Research Analyst, Cultural Resource Administrator, and Historic Preservation Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

1. Annalist. A historian who compiles a chronicle or written history of events.
2. Archivist. A person responsible for preserving and maintaining historical records.
3. Historiography. The study and interpretation of history and past events.
4. Chronology. A systematic arrangement of past events in their order of occurrence.
5. Primary Source. An original document or other source of information about an event or topic.
6. Secondary Source. A document or other source of information about an event or topic based on primary sources.
7. Bibliography. A list of references used in the research and writing process.
8. Biography. A narrative account of a person’s life, typically written by someone else.
9. Autobiography. A narrative account of a person’s life written by the individual themselves.
10. Contextualization. Placing an event in its larger historical, social, and political context.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Historiographer?

A Historiographer is a professional historian who studies, interprets, and writes about the past.

What kind of research does a Historiographer do?

A Historiographer researches and analyzes primary and secondary sources, such as documents, photographs, artifacts, interviews, and other records, in order to interpret and explain the past.

What qualifications are needed to become a Historiographer?

A Historiographer typically needs at least a master's degree in history or a related field, as well as research and writing experience.

What skills are important for a Historiographer?

Historiographers need excellent research, writing, and analytical skills in order to interpret the past and explain it in a meaningful way.

How much do Historiographers typically make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for Historians was $62,660 in 2019.

What are jobs related with Historiographer?

• Museum Studies Professional
• Historic Preservation Commissioner
• Digital Preservationist
• Historic Preservation Planner
• Antiquities Curator
• Archival Technician
• Historic Preservation Grant Writer
• Cultural Resource Specialist
• History Professor
• History Conservator

Web Resources

• Falvey Memorial Library :: Historiographer's Toolkit - Villanova library.villanova.edu
• historiographer | OPEN BOOK openbook.lib.utah.edu
• Historiographer | Kenneth Spencer Research Library Archival … archives.lib.ku.edu