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Living History Interpreter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Living History Asst

Dayton, OH ยท On-site

$10.70/hr

This position reports to the Living History Specialist Qualification Requirements: * Education in ... Strong communication and interpretation skills; willingness to improve skills * Desire to work with ...

Living History Asst

Dayton, OH ยท On-site

$10.70/hr

This position reports to the Living History Specialist Qualification Requirements: * Education in ... Strong communication and interpretation skills; willingness to improve skills * Desire to work with ...

... interpretation, and cleanliness ยท Strong organizational skills, communication skills and follow through ยท Ability to handle the physical demands, multi-task and effectively manage stress

... interpretation, and cleanliness ยท Strong organizational skills, communication skills and follow through ยท Ability to handle the physical demands, multi-task and effectively manage stress

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Living History Interpreter information

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How much do living history interpreter jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for living history interpreter in the United States is $25.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a living history interpreter?

Living History Interpreters are professionals who portray historical figures or everyday people from a specific time period to educate and engage the public. They work in museums, historic sites, and reenactment events, using costumes, storytelling, and demonstrations to bring history to life. Their goal is to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the past by recreating historical experiences and answering questions in character. This interactive approach helps make history more accessible and memorable for audiences of all ages.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a living history interpreter?

To thrive as a Living History Interpreter, you need a deep knowledge of historical periods, strong research skills, and often a background in history or education. Familiarity with period-appropriate tools, costumes, and sometimes museum collections management systems is important. Excellent storytelling, public speaking, and interpersonal skills help engage visitors and create immersive educational experiences. These skills are vital for bringing history to life accurately and memorably, fostering visitor interest and learning.

What are some common challenges faced by living history interpreters when engaging with diverse audiences?

Living History Interpreters often encounter audiences with varying levels of background knowledge and interest in historical topics. A key challenge is adapting communication styles to engage both children and adults, as well as addressing questions that may not have straightforward historical answers. Additionally, interpreters must balance historical accuracy with accessibility, making information relatable without oversimplifying. Flexibility, patience, and the ability to think on one's feet are essential skills for navigating these situations and ensuring every visitor has a meaningful experience.

What is the difference between Living History Interpreter vs Museum Educator?

AspectLiving History InterpreterMuseum Educator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer history or education certificationsDegree in education, history, or related field often preferred
Work EnvironmentHistorical sites, outdoor settings, living history museumsMuseums, educational centers, indoor and outdoor exhibits
Employer & IndustryHistorical sites, living history museums, cultural organizationsMuseums, educational institutions, cultural organizations
Primary FocusEngaging visitors through interactive historical reenactments and storytellingProviding educational programs, tours, and workshops about exhibits

While both roles involve educating the public about history, Living History Interpreters focus on immersive reenactments and interactive storytelling at historical sites, whereas Museum Educators develop and deliver educational programs within museum settings. Both require strong communication skills and a passion for history, but their work environments and methods differ.

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Infographic showing various Living History Interpreter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 45% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,349 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Living History Interpreter II - Part Time Actor

Museum of the Bible

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$22/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Living History Interpreter II - Part Time Actor
Date: 08/14/2026
Location: ONSITE | Washington, D.C.
Employment Status: Part-Time,
FLSA: non-exempt
Reports To: Living History Interpreter Supervisor
Salary: $22.00 hourly. Salary adjusted to local market rates.*
Travel: N/A
Position Summary

Perform narratives from the Bible and narratives based on historical events of significant importance to the Bible for guests through living history.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Perform a character developed by the Living History Interpreter (LHI) in conjunction with express instructions from Education Department leadership, including the Manager of Living History, to bring narratives from the Bible and the exhibits to life for guests using a mixture of improvisation, acting, storytelling, presentation, and education styles.
  • If necessary, develop a written script for a character in either the World of Jesus of Nazareth exhibit, the Gutenberg Press exhibit, or special events including specified holidays, conferences, organized guest engagements, etc.
  • Availability to commit to work two shifts each week, including weekend days and holidays, during which the duties entailed in this position description will be performed. โ€ข Interact regularly with K-12 students and provide educational programs for them. If desired, develop special programs for K-12 students and adults. โ€ข Study, prepare, and practice a general set of talking points for presentations and performances while in character.
  • Work with LHI program mentors and the Guest Engagement Manager for ongoing development and presentation excellence and communicate with the Guest Engagement Manager regarding scripts, rehearsals, scheduling of shifts, and programs.
  • Attend LHI meetings, scholar-led trainings, and the Museum of the Bible (MOTB) Institute. Sufficient resources and time not exceeding regular work hours must be allowed/arranged to complete these tasks to a satisfactory level.
  • Champion the Museum of the Bibleโ€™s mission to invite all people to engage with the transformative power of the Bible. โ€ข As required, inclusion in official or incidental photographs and videos for MOTB and/or guests.
  • As required, inclusion in official or incidental photographs and videos for MOTB and/or guests.
Qualifications
Education
  • Associate degree (minimum) or Bachelorโ€™s degree (preferred) in History, Religious or Biblical Studies, Archaeology, Museum Education, Museum Studies, or Theatrical or Performing Arts, or commensurate experience.
Abilities / Attributes
  • Able to work evenings and weekends as needed.
  • Travel to the Museum quarterly/as needed.
  • Ability to stand or move for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to maintain active engagement and energy over a multi-hour period.
  • As required, inclusion in official or incidental photographs and videos for MOTB and/or guests.
Skills
  • Verbal and written communication skills.
  • The ability to interface playfully and professionally with kids and families.
  • The ability to interface professionally with a diverse, international audience, excellent problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
  • A significant amount of personal and professional integrity.
Work Environment
Physical demands/requirements are as follows:
  • Sit for up to 8 hours a day.
  • Squat bending at the knees.
  • Stand for long periods of time.
  • Lift up to 10 lbs. for short periods of time.