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Museum Historian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

History Program Specialist

Springfield, VA

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 ...

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How much do museum historian jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 18, 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.
History Program Specialist

History Program Specialist

SAIC

Springfield, VA

Full-time

Posted yesterday

SAIC rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 204 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2610565

Location: Springfield, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-03-24

Category: Program Management

Subcategory: Project Analyst

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No

Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: TS/SCI with Poly

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

SAIC® is a premier Fortune 500® mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian and intelligence markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior History Program Specialist who 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 our history, to operate and maintain the archives and all associated material residing in the Historical Research Center, and to preserve and communicate the history to 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.

Work will be performed at the customer site in Springfield, VA.

The hiring of this position is contingent upon contract award. Anticipated award is fall of 2026.

Responsibilities will include the following:

  • Content Development & Execution:
    • Research, develop, and execute a high volume of historical content illustrating 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 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.
  • 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 our history program.
  • Internal Collaboration & Oversight:
    • Provide copy editing and quality assurance for all history program products.
    • Support the Historian inventorying and accountability procedures for historical artifacts in custody to include measurement metrics and assisting in history program audits. 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications include:

  • Active TS/SCI is REQUIRED.
  • Willing and able to obtain a polygraph.
  • 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.
  • Strong leadership competencies - experience leading and directing a diverse team to high performance outcomes.
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience in program management, with a proven ability to translate complex data into strategic recommendations for executive decision-makers.
  • Demonstrated experience assessing large quantities of data to support senior decision makers at the executive level for decisions.
  • Demonstrated experience completing tasks and evidence of high performance.
  • Demonstrated experience in presenting oral and written communications to diverse audiences. 

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