Historians
What is a Historian?
A historian is a professional who studies and interprets past events, societies, and cultures through the analysis of historical sources such as documents, artifacts, and oral histories. They seek to understand the complexities of human experiences over time, considering factors like politics, economics, social structures, and cultural developments. Historians often specialize in specific periods, regions, or themes, which allows them to provide deeper insights into particular aspects of history. Their work involves researching and critically assessing various types of sources, writing analyses and narratives, and conveying their findings through publications, lectures, and other educational formats. Historians play a crucial role in preserving our collective memory, helping society understand its past and how it shapes the present and future.
Tasks
- Conserve and preserve manuscripts, records, and other artifacts.
- Gather historical data from sources such as archives, court records, diaries, news files, and photographs, as well as from books, pamphlets, and periodicals.
- Conduct historical research as a basis for the identification, conservation, and reconstruction of historic places and materials.
- Research and prepare manuscripts in support of public programming and the development of exhibits at historic sites, museums, libraries, and archives.
- Present historical accounts in terms of individuals or social, ethnic, political, economic, or geographic groupings.
Technology Skills
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Data base user interface and query software
- Gutenberg-e
- Microsoft Access
- Reference management software
- Structured query language SQL
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Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Information retrieval or search software
- Archival databases
- ArchiveGrid
- Searchable online catalogs
- Smithsonian Institution digital archives
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Geographic information system
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Geographic information system GIS systems
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Document management software
- Adobe Acrobat
- Web Scrapbook
Tools Used
- Microfiche or microfilm viewers
- Photocopiers
- Assistive listening devices
- Scanners
- Notebook computers
Knowledge
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History and Archeology
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
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Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Skills
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Abilities
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Master's degree
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Bachelor's degree
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Some college, no degree
Work Activities
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
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Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Detailed Work Activities
- Prepare materials for preservation, storage, or display.
- Collect archival data.
- Conduct historical research.
- Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
- Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys.
Work Interests
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$35760.0 - $124720.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.