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GEOINT Sr. History Program Specialist

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

... museum tour guides. · Manage artifact sections, storage, and curation requirements while assisting the NGA Historian in refining internal charge out and external loan procedures for artifacts. · ...

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$30.5K

$86.3K

$137.5K

How much do museum historian jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum historian in the United States is $86,335.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $105,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Museum Historian, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Museum Historian, you need a solid background in history or a related field, typically supported by at least a master's degree and experience in research or curatorial work. Familiarity with collections management systems, digital archiving tools, and historical research databases is often required. Strong written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and public engagement skills help distinguish top professionals in this field. These competencies ensure accurate preservation, interpretation, and presentation of historical artifacts and narratives to educate and inspire the public.

What does a Museum Historian do?

A Museum Historian researches, interprets, and presents historical information related to a museum's collections and exhibitions. They work to ensure that exhibits are accurate, engaging, and educational for visitors. Their duties may include curating artifacts, writing exhibit labels, developing educational programs, and conducting scholarly research. Museum Historians often collaborate with other museum staff, such as curators and educators, to create meaningful experiences for the public.

How much do historians at museums make?

Museum historians typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can vary based on the size of the institution and the complexity of the collections managed.

What does a historian do at a museum?

A museum historian researches, interprets, and presents historical information related to the museum's collections and exhibits. They often develop educational programs, write labels and catalogs, and collaborate with curators to ensure accurate historical representation, using skills in research, writing, and sometimes archival tools. Their work helps visitors understand the historical significance of artifacts and exhibits.

How to become a historian in a museum?

To become a museum historian, typically a bachelor's degree in history, archaeology, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's or doctoral degree for advanced positions. Gaining experience through internships, volunteering, or research projects, along with strong research, writing, and communication skills, is essential for securing a role in a museum setting.

What jobs can you get with museum studies?

A museum historian can pursue careers such as curators, collections managers, exhibit designers, education coordinators, and archivists. These roles typically require knowledge of history, research skills, and familiarity with collections management tools and preservation techniques.

What is the difference between Museum Historian vs Museum Curator?

AspectMuseum HistorianMuseum Curator
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in History, Museum Studies, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Museum Studies, Art History, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, archives, historical interpretationExhibitions, collection management, public engagement
Employer & Industry UsageHistorical museums, research institutionsArt, history, science museums
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Museum Historian and a Museum Curator lies in their focus. Museum Historians primarily conduct research, interpret historical data, and contribute to scholarly publications. Museum Curators manage collections, develop exhibitions, and engage with the public. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but serve different functions within museum settings.

How does a Museum Historian typically collaborate with curators and educators on exhibit development?

Museum Historians play a vital role in exhibit development by researching and interpreting historical content, ensuring accuracy and context for artifacts and narratives. They work closely with curators to select objects and shape the overall story of an exhibit, and with educators to develop engaging materials and programs for visitors. This collaborative process often involves regular meetings, research sharing, and collective decision-making to create meaningful experiences that connect the public with history.
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Museum Historian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Historian job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 23% Locum Tenens, 31% Full Time, and 46% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,335 per year, or $41.5 per hour.
GEOINT History Program Specialist - Senior #793

GEOINT History Program Specialist - Senior #793

Allen Integrated Solutions

Washington, DC

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

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Job description

GEOINT History Program Specialist – Senior

Clearance Required: TS/SCI

Location: Springfield, VA - 100% onsite

The GEOINT History Program Specialist – Senior, takes direction form the NGA Historian and is responsible for the management and execution of the historical program, from research and writing to curation and operations. This individual leads the support to operate and maintain the material culture aspects of NGA's history, to operate and maintain the archives and all associated material residing in the Historical Research Center, and to preserve and communicate NGA's history to NGA's employees and public affairs mission both internally externally. Duties include content development and execution, Historical Research Center management, museum management, and archiving and curation. As the senior level historian, provide oversight of history services within the contract to include AP Style copy editing.

Duties Include:

  • Content Development & Execution: Research, develop, and, execute a high volume of historical content illustrating NGA's history for both internal and external audiences. Products include articles, brochures, social media posts, podcast production, website content, museum exhibits, and museum tour guides.
  • Historical Research Center Management: Focus on artifact section, storage, and curation requirements while assisting the NGA Historian in refining internal charge out and external loan procedures for artifacts. This also includes archival management, artifact curation, and preservation. Key duties include processing, inventorying, and organizing all archival records and historical artifacts, ensuring their proper care and accessibility. Locate new materials and advise government customers on acquisition, preservation, and display possibilities. Help identify items for deaccession and work the process for proper removal.
  • NGA Museum Management: Work with other museums on loans, exhibits, artifact solicitation, and advise in acquisition decisions. This also includes researching, developing, and producing historical displays, posters, exhibits, museum experiences, conducting guided museum tours and any museum specific communications about NGA history program.
  • Internal Collaboration & Oversight: Provide copy editing and quality assurance for all history program products. Support the NGA Historian on inventorying and accountability procedures for historical artifacts in NGA custody to include measurement metrics and assisting in history program audits.

Required Skills:

  • Education: A minimum of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in History, Geography, Library Science, Museum Studies, Museum Science, or a related field.
  • Experience: A minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in the career field of history, geography, library science, museum studies, or museum science role. In lieu of a bachelor's degree, the candidate must have 8+ years of direct museum practice, artifact preservation, curation, or history-related positions.
  • Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication abilities with an eagerness to draft, edit, and proofread materials.
  • Attention to Detail: A high degree of accuracy and thoroughness when completing tasks such as inventorying and entering records metadata, or recording the origins and significance of archival materials.
  • Organizational Skills: The ability to assist with multiple tasks and prioritize assignments effectively in a fast-paced support role. Organize archival records and apply the proper classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials.
  • Interpersonal Skills: The ability to build effective working relationships with internal colleagues and community partners.
  • Ability to work independently on assigned tasks while also functioning as a collaborative and reliable team member.
  • Written and Verbal Communication: Strong writing, editing, and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, accessible language.

Project Coordination: Experience managing smaller projects from start to finish, including coordinating with multiple stakeholders to meet deadlines.