How to Be Museum Historian - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 5, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The establishment of the National Museum of American History in 1964 had a profound effect on the way that the history of the United States was studied and remembered. Prior to the museum, there was no single central location or institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting the nation's history. By bringing together artifacts, documents, photographs, and other primary sources from across time periods and locations, the National Museum of American History began to provide a comprehensive and integrated look at the story of the United States.

This allowed for a more complete understanding of the nation's development, accomplishments, and challenges. The museum also provided a platform for showcasing significant objects and artifacts from the country's past, creating a more tangible connection between people and their shared history. In addition, the museum serves as an important resource for researchers, scholars, and students looking to gain a better understanding of the nation's past.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a bachelor's degree in history, anthropology, or a related field. While it is not necessary to have a degree in museum studies, it can be beneficial. Consider studying a specialized field such as art history, archeology, or cultural studies.
Participate in a museum studies program or internship to gain experience and contacts in the museum world.
Obtain a master's degree in museum studies, history, anthropology, or a related field. This is typically necessary for most museum historian positions.
Gain experience working at a museum or other cultural institution in an entry-level position such as a curatorial assistant or educational program coordinator.
Join professional organizations such as the American Association of Museums, the American Association for State and Local History, and the American Alliance of Museums to build your network of contacts and learn about job opportunities.
Participate in conferences, seminars, and workshops related to museum studies and history to stay current in the field.
Apply for museum historian positions and internships at museums or other cultural institutions.
Use your experience, contacts, and education to demonstrate your qualifications for the position.

Museums serve as a powerful tool for preserving history and educating the public. By providing resources and artifacts to visitors, museums make history accessible in a way that textbooks and lectures cannot. As a result, museum historians must possess a wide array of skills, from research and curation to communication and public outreach.

This requires an understanding of the past, an appreciation for the present, and an eye for the future. With this knowledge and expertise, museum historians can help to ensure that history is accurately collected, preserved, and shared with the public.

You may want to check Political Historian, Immigration Historian, and Art Historian for alternative.

Job Description

Research and document the history of an organization or institution.
Design and implement public programs and displays related to the organization's history.
Develop educational materials such as lectures, tours, and interactive programs.
Prepare grant proposals to acquire funding for research projects or displays.
Write and edit texts for educational materials, websites, or other publications.
Develop research strategies and utilize archival resources to uncover historical facts.
Provide consultation services to other institutions or organizations on historical matters.
Photograph and document artifacts for research and display purposes.
Maintain records and files of historical data and documentations.
Monitor changes in local, national, and international historical trends.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Extensive knowledge of museum practices, policies, and procedures.
Expertise in museum collections management and preservation.
Knowledge of archival research techniques and methods.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to effectively present information to various audiences.
Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment.
Proficiency in the use of computers and basic software applications.
Knowledge of art history, cultural studies, and/or related fields.
Ability to develop and implement educational programs and exhibits.
Knowledge of current trends in museum education and programming.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
Attention to detail and accuracy in work.
Willingness to stay current in the field through continuing education and professional development opportunities.

The role of a Museum Historian requires an individual to possess a wide range of skills and knowledge. The most important skill for a Museum Historian is the ability to research, analyze and organize information. The research skills of a Museum Historian include the ability to access and analyze a variety of sources including historical records, documents, photographs, artifacts and other material.

the ability to interpret this information accurately and draw valid conclusions from it is essential. Furthermore, the Museum Historian must be able to organize and present the information collected in a meaningful way, both verbally and in writing. This can include creating exhibits, preparing educational materials, and providing presentations.

Finally, being able to connect the past with the present is essential for the Museum Historian to be successful in their role. By understanding the causes and effects of history, the Museum Historian can properly interpret and convey the impact of past events on our current times.

History Lecturer, Ethnographic Historian, and Genealogical Researcher are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired your interest in Museum Historian?
What experience do you have in the field of Museum Historian?
Describe a project you've worked on that demonstrates your expertise in Museum Historian.
How do you keep up with the latest trends and developments in Museum Historian?
How would you go about researching and preserving artifacts and documents to create a museum exhibit?
What techniques do you use to effectively communicate the stories behind museum artifacts and documents?
How do you create meaningful connections between museum exhibits and their audiences?
What strategies do you use to ensure accuracy and preservation of museum collections?
How do you use technology to enhance the experience of museum visitors?
Describe a successful collaboration you have had on a museum project.

Common Tools in Industry

Archive Software. Software that helps manage and store digital archives and records (eg: Adobe Acrobat Pro).
Digital Camera. A camera specifically designed to take digital photographs (eg: Canon EOS Rebel).
Research Databases. Collections of information for research purposes, often searchable online (eg: JSTOR).
Presentation Software. Software used to create visual presentations (eg: Microsoft PowerPoint).
Historical Maps and Atlases. Maps and atlases from past eras to help study the history of a region or era (eg: National Geographic Historical Maps).
Text Analysis Software. Software that helps analyze the content of written documents (eg: AntConc).
Data Visualization Software. Software used to create visual representations of data (eg: Tableau).
GIS Software. Software used to create and analyze maps with geographic data (eg: ArcGIS).
Digitization Equipment. Equipment used to convert physical documents into digital format (eg: Fujitsu ScanSnap).
Statistical Analysis Software. Software used to analyze numerical data (eg: SPSS).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association for State and Local History (AASLH)
American Association of Museums (AAM)
Association of Midwest Museums (AMM)
Society of American Archivists (SAA)
National Council on Public History (NCPH)
International Council of Museums (ICOM)
National Alliance of Museums, Archives and Libraries (NAMAL)
American Association of Museum Volunteers (AAMV)
International Committee for Documentation (CIDOC)
International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)

We also have Legal Historian, Historical Analyst, and Forensic Historian jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Archival Research. The process of locating, examining, and interpreting primary source documents and other records to uncover information about an event or period of time.
Artifact. An object made or used by people in the past, such as a tool, weapon, work of art, or household item.
Conservation. The practice of preserving artifacts and other historical materials for the purpose of study and exhibition.
Exhibition. A showcase of items, typically in a museum setting, that are intended to educate or entertain visitors.
Oral History. The study of a person's life and experiences through interviews with the subject and other people who knew them.
Primary Source. A document or other source of information that was created during the period being studied, such as a diary entry or newspaper report.
Secondary Source. A document or other source of information that was created after the period being studied, such as a scholarly article or book chapter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the role of a Museum Historian? A1: A Museum Historian is responsible for researching, documenting, and preserving the history of a museum's collections and exhibitions. They often conduct research on the history of objects in the museum's collection, create educational programming and exhibits, and provide advice on the care and conservation of artifacts. Q2: What qualifications are needed to become a Museum Historian? A2: A Museum Historian typically needs a Bachelor's degree in a related field such as history, art history, anthropology, or archaeology. They should also have strong research and writing skills, as well as experience in historical research methods and museum operations. Q3: What is the average salary for a Museum Historian? A3: According to PayScale, the average salary for a Museum Historian is approximately $48,000 per year. Q4: What tasks does a Museum Historian perform? A4: A Museum Historian performs tasks such as researching and documenting the history of a museum's collections and exhibitions, creating educational programming and exhibits, providing advice on the care and conservation of artifacts, and presenting lectures and workshops on the history of the museum. Q5: How long does it take to become a Museum Historian? A5: Becoming a Museum Historian typically requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field, which can take four years to complete. Additionally, some museums may require experience in historical research methods or museum operations.