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Local Historian Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Provide maintenance and support for local and global IT system solutions. Perform troubleshooting ... historian systems, and shop floor applications.Understand IT/OT system platform architecture ...

Local Historian information

What are common challenges faced by local historians in verifying historical information?

Local historians often encounter challenges such as limited access to primary sources, incomplete or conflicting records, and oral histories that may lack documentation. Verifying historical information frequently requires cross-referencing multiple sources, consulting archives, and engaging with local communities to piece together accurate narratives. Developing strong research skills and building relationships with libraries, museums, and longtime residents can help local historians overcome these obstacles and enhance the reliability of their work.

What is a local historian?

Local historians are individuals who research, document, and interpret the history of a specific geographic area, such as a town, city, or region. They collect and analyze historical records, oral histories, photographs, and artifacts to preserve the unique heritage of their community. Local historians often work with museums, archives, schools, or historical societies, and may write articles or books, create exhibitions, or give public talks. Their work helps foster a sense of identity and continuity by connecting present-day residents with their community's past.

What is the difference between Local Historian vs Museum Curator?

AspectLocal HistorianMuseum Curator
Required CredentialsHistory degree, research skillsHistory, museum studies, or related field
Work EnvironmentCommunity events, archives, local sitesMuseums, galleries, exhibit planning
Employer & IndustryHistorical societies, local governmentMuseums, cultural institutions
Search & Comparison IntentHistorical research, local historyExhibit curation, collection management

While both roles involve history and research, a Local Historian focuses on researching and sharing local history within communities, often engaging with the public and archives. A Museum Curator manages collections, designs exhibits, and works within museum settings. The roles overlap in historical knowledge but differ in work environment and specific responsibilities.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a local historian?

To thrive as a Local Historian, you need a strong background in history, research methods, and archival management, often supported by a degree in history or related fields. Familiarity with digital archives, genealogical databases, and historical mapping tools is commonly required. Exceptional analytical thinking, curiosity, and strong written and verbal communication skills help set outstanding local historians apart. These competencies ensure accurate preservation, interpretation, and sharing of local heritage with both the community and wider audiences.
What are the most commonly searched types of Historian jobs in Kentucky? The most popular types of Historian jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Local Historian jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Local Historian job openings:
Infographic showing various Local Historian job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution.

Architectural Historian / Principal Investigator

Metric Environmental

Louisville, KY โ€ข On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Metric Environmental is a consulting firm established in 2016 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our firm offers clients technical expertise in multidisciplinary environmental services throughout Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio, and Metric’s Cultural Resources Division is one of our fastest-growing departments. The Cultural Resources team works with private and public agencies to accomplish a variety of cultural resource management projects.

Metric is currently seeking a full-time Lead Architectural Historian/Principal Investigator to join our fast-paced team. In this role, you would be responsible for independently managing architectural history projects, as well as assisting team members on other projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities for this role include but are not limited to:

  • Gathering and synthesizing archival research to write historic narratives and context statements
  • Conducting architectural field surveys of all types of above-ground resources, including residential, commercial, agricultural, bridges, etc.
  • Analyzing and evaluating historic buildings and structures using National Register of Historic Places criteria.
  • Preparing technical reports with appropriately documented and defensible conclusions and recommendations.
  • Assisting clients to identify project needs and coordinating with governmental agencies.
  • Travel may be required up to 15% of the time (including some overnight travel). Travel will be coordinated in advance.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

At a minimum, the ideal candidate will possess the following:

  • Familiarity with the Section 106 process of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).
  • Fieldwork experience including photography and resource documentation.
  • Demonstrated strong research and writing skills.
  • Understanding the proper methods of evaluating a property’s historical and architectural significance as per the National Register of Historic Places is a must.

Required Education and Experience

  • A Master’s degree in Historic Preservation, History, or a closely related field is preferred, but not mandatory.
  • The candidate must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards in the areas of Architecture, Architectural History, Historic Architecture, or History.
  • A minimum of two years of relevant full-time professional work experience is required.
  • The ideal candidate will have 5 to 7 years of experience in Cultural Resources Management, with the ability to conduct fieldwork independently.
  • Applicant must possess a valid driver’s license.

Company Description

Metric Environmental is a regional environmental consulting firm headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. We collaborate with local and regional government agencies and private industry to minimize the environmental impact of their core businesses and planned activities, and to remediate legacy impacts on the soil, groundwater, air, or the built environment. Our scientists, engineers, geologists, archaeologists, and historians provide specialty services in several areas, including Environmental Site Assessment and Remediation; NEPA documentation (CE, EA, EIS); Industrial Hygiene Services (asbestos, lead, mold, and indoor air quality); Natural Resource/Ecological Management, Environmental Permitting, and Cultural Resources, including Archeological and Historical studies. Our personnel includes licensed professional engineers, licensed professional geologists, certified hazardous materials managers, wetland scientists, stormwater specialists, licensed asbestos and lead inspectors, architectural historians, and archaeologists.