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

In the 19th century, the advent of industrialization and the rise of the middle class created a demand for new technologies, which in turn led to a surge in research activity. This period marked a turning point in the history of research, as the focus shifted from classical disciplines to the empirical sciences. As a result of this shift, research historians began to develop new methods for collecting and analyzing data.

These methods included quantitative analysis, archival research, and interviews. The increased focus on empirical research encouraged the development of new technologies, such as computers and digital archives, that improved the efficiency and accuracy of data collection. As a result, research historians have gained access to unprecedented amounts of data, enabling them to make more accurate conclusions about historical events and trends.

Steps How to Become

  1. Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming a Research Historian is to obtain a Bachelor's degree in History or a related field. You may also want to consider getting a minor in Library Science or another relevant field.
  2. Take Courses in Historical Research. Once you have obtained your Bachelor's degree, you may want to take specialized courses in historical research. These courses will help you understand the basics of conducting historical research, such as how to search for and find relevant primary and secondary sources.
  3. Gain Work Experience. To become a Research Historian, you should gain experience in the field. Consider interning at a local historical society or museum, or volunteer at an archive or library. This will give you an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field.
  4. Consider a Master's Degree. A Master's degree in History or a related field is often necessary if you wish to become a Research Historian. This degree will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to conduct research and write about history.
  5. Get Certified. Most states require Research Historians to be certified by the National Council for History Education (NCHE). Certification requires passing an exam and completing a minimum of 45 hours of coursework in history and related fields.
  6. Publish Your Work. To become a successful Research Historian, you should be prepared to publish your work. Consider submitting your research and writing to scholarly journals and other publications. This will help you build your reputation as a knowledgeable and reliable historian.

The path to becoming an ideal and qualified research historian requires dedication and hard work. A strong background in the history field is essential, including a solid foundation in research methods, critical thinking, and writing. It is also important to have an in-depth understanding of the history of the subject being studied, and to be knowledgeable in the areas of primary source analysis, secondary source evaluation, and archival investigation.

Furthermore, having a good understanding of the research process and being able to develop research strategies and plans are also important skills to have. Finally, having excellent communication skills is essential for any researcher, as it enables the researcher to effectively communicate their findings to others. All of these elements must come together in order for a researcher to become an ideal and qualified research historian.

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Job Description

  1. Museum Curator: Responsible for curating, organizing, and maintaining museum collections, including art, artifacts, and specimens.
  2. Archivist: Responsible for preserving, organizing, and managing historical records, documents, and archives.
  3. Genealogist: Responsible for researching and tracing family histories and lineages.
  4. Historian: Responsible for researching, interpreting, and writing about past events and people.
  5. Historical Preservationist: Responsible for identifying and preserving important historical sites and artifacts.
  6. Documentary Producer: Responsible for creating documentaries about historical topics.
  7. Oral Historian: Responsible for collecting, preserving, and analyzing oral histories from individuals who experienced important events in history.
  8. Academic Researcher: Responsible for conducting research and writing scholarly papers on historical topics.
  9. Museum Educator: Responsible for designing and delivering educational programs about history in museums.
  10. Archival Technician: Responsible for organizing and maintaining archival collections and documents.

Skills and Competencies to Have

  1. Knowledge of archival and library research techniques.
  2. Knowledge of primary and secondary sources.
  3. Ability to analyze data and interpret evidence.
  4. Familiarity with relevant historical and archival databases.
  5. Ability to write clearly and concisely about complex topics.
  6. Ability to synthesize complex information from multiple sources.
  7. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  8. Knowledge of historical methodology and research techniques.
  9. Ability to effectively utilize technology in research and analysis.
  10. Excellent oral communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

Research historians must possess a wide range of skills to be successful in their field. Chief among them is critical thinking and analysis, as it allows them to make informed decisions based on the evidence and resources they have gathered. research historians must be able to effectively communicate their findings, both verbally and in written form.

They must also have a good understanding of the research methodology and be able to apply it to the task at hand. Furthermore, they must be proficient in the use of technology, such as databases and online resources, to ensure the most accurate results. Finally, research historians must have a high level of attention to detail and an ability to interpret data in order to draw meaningful conclusions.

All of these skills combined, will enable research historians to effectively uncover valuable information and provide insights into the past.

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Frequent Interview Questions

  • What experience do you have in research and writing of historical topics?
  • How would you approach the task of researching a particular historical event or person?
  • What makes you passionate about writing and researching history?
  • Could you describe your experience with using primary source documents?
  • How would you go about accessing and verifying historical information?
  • What challenges have you faced when doing research or writing about history?
  • Have you ever encountered any ethical issues in your research or writing process?
  • How do you go about staying up to date with the latest developments in historical research?
  • Are there any particular research methods that you prefer to use when looking into historical topics?
  • How would you go about engaging the public with your research and writing about history?

Common Tools in Industry

  1. Digital Archives. A repository of digital records from which research historians can access and analyze information. (e. g. The National Archives of the United Kingdom)
  2. Primary Source Databases. Databases of documents, images, audio and video recordings, and other materials that can provide insight into a historical period or event. (e. g. ProQuest Historical Newspapers)
  3. GIS Mapping Software. Software used to create maps that can be used to visualize and analyze data. (e. g. QGIS)
  4. Data Mining Tools. Tools used to extract patterns and relationships from large data sets. (e. g. IBM SPSS Modeler)
  5. Text Analysis Tools. Software used to analyze texts to identify patterns and trends. (e. g. Voyant Tools)
  6. Digital Preservation Platforms. Platforms used to store, organize, and preserve digital records for future research. (e. g. Preservica)
  7. Social Network Analysis Software. Software used to analyze social networks to identify relationships between individuals and groups. (e. g. UCINET)

Professional Organizations to Know

  1. American Historical Association (AHA)
  2. Organization of American Historians (OAH)
  3. National Council on Public History (NCPH)
  4. American Society for Environmental History (ASEH)
  5. American Association for State and Local History (AASLH)
  6. American Association of Museums (AAM)
  7. American Studies Association (ASA)
  8. Society for Military History (SMH)
  9. International Commission for the History of Representations of the Past (ICHRP)
  10. International Institute of Social History (IISH)

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Common Important Terms

  1. Primary Sources. Original documents or materials created by a particular person, organization, or event. Examples include letters, photographs, records, and newspaper articles.
  2. Secondary Sources. Documents or materials created by someone other than the original creator. Examples include books, journal articles, and webpages.
  3. Archival Research. The study of documents and other materials preserved in archives, libraries, or other repositories.
  4. Oral History. The collection and study of stories, memories, and experiences told by people who experienced a certain event, place, or time period.
  5. Historiography. The study of how history is written and what sources are used to inform a particular interpretation of history.
  6. Historical Methodology. The set of methods and techniques used by historians to investigate the past.
  7. Chronology. The arrangement of events in the order of their occurrence.
  8. Contextualization. The process of understanding events in the wider context of their time period and place in history.
  9. Historiography. The study of the history of a specific topic, person, or event.
  10. Historiography of Memory. The study of how memories and interpretations of the past have been shaped by collective and individual experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Research Historian?

A Research Historian is an individual who studies, interprets, and analyzes historical and archival documents to gain an understanding of the past.

What skills are necessary to be a Research Historian?

Research Historians must be proficient in research techniques, including the ability to analyze and interpret data. They must also have excellent communication and writing skills, be able to work independently, and be comfortable with technology.

How do I become a Research Historian?

To become a Research Historian, you should pursue a Bachelor's degree in History or a related field. You may also choose to pursue a graduate degree in history or public history. Additionally, gaining experience through internships, jobs, and volunteering is important for developing the skills necessary for success in the field.

What is the job outlook for Research Historians?

The job outlook for Research Historians is positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth in the field of historians is expected to increase 6% from 2019 to 2029.

What is the median salary for Research Historians?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for historians was $62,410 in May 2020.

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