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Personal Historian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Air Force

$49K/yr

As a Palace Acquire Intern you will experience both personal and professional growth while dealing effectively and ethically with change, complexity, and problem solving. The program offers a 2-year ...

WESTCARE INC

Historian (50899)

Sheridan, IL · On-site

$16.92 - $18.97/hr

Appropriate personal protective equipment will be readily available to every employee. M ental Demands: * Requires the ability to collect and analyze complex numerical and written data and verbal ...

WESTCARE INC

Historian (50899)

Sheridan, IL · On-site

$16.92 - $18.97/hr

Appropriate personal protective equipment will be readily available to every employee. M ental Demands: * Requires the ability to collect and analyze complex numerical and written data and verbal ...

WSP

Part Time Project Architectural Historian

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$79K - $106K/yr

WSP Project Architectural Historians are survey field leaders, detailed researchers, and authors of ... vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of ...

WSP

Part Time Project Architectural Historian

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$79K - $106K/yr

WSP Project Architectural Historians are survey field leaders, detailed researchers, and authors of ... vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of ...

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command

$119K - $155K/yr

You will be required to wear personal protective equipment such as helmets, gloves, coveralls ... Applicants for the Professional Historian (0170 series) must meet the following positive education ...

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Personal Historian information

See salary details

$30.5K

$86.3K

$137.5K

How much do personal historian jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for personal 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 is a personal historian?

A personal historian is a professional who helps individuals, families, or organizations record and preserve their personal stories, memories, and histories. They typically conduct interviews, gather photographs or memorabilia, and organize the material into written narratives, audio recordings, or video documentaries. Personal historians play a vital role in capturing life experiences for future generations, often producing family memoirs, biographies, or legacy projects. Their work ensures that personal and family histories are documented and cherished. Services can be tailored to different needs, from simple oral history recordings to professionally published books.

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

To thrive as a Personal Historian, you need strong interviewing, research, and storytelling abilities, typically supported by a background in writing, history, or journalism. Familiarity with audio/video recording equipment, transcription software, and digital archiving tools is often required. Excellent listening skills, empathy, and attention to detail help build trust and capture authentic life stories. These skills are crucial for preserving accurate, meaningful personal histories that resonate with clients and their families.

What are some common challenges a personal historian might face when working with clients to document their life stories?

Personal Historians often encounter challenges such as helping clients recall specific memories, navigating sensitive or emotional topics, and ensuring that the narrative remains authentic to the individual's voice. Building trust and creating a comfortable environment is essential for clients to share openly. Additionally, organizing and verifying historical materials like photos or documents can require patience and strong attention to detail. Collaboration with family members and adapting to each client's communication style are also important aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Personal Historian vs Genealogist?

AspectPersonal HistorianGenealogist
Required CredentialsWriting skills, research experience, sometimes certifications in history or writingResearch skills, knowledge of genealogy, certifications like Certified Genealogist
Work EnvironmentClient meetings, interviews, writing sessions, often freelance or self-employedArchives, libraries, online databases, often employed by genealogical organizations
Industry UsagePersonal storytelling, life history projects, memoirsFamily history research, building family trees, historical records analysis

While both roles involve research and storytelling, a Personal Historian focuses on crafting personal life stories and memoirs for clients, often emphasizing narrative and interview techniques. A Genealogist specializes in tracing family histories through records and databases. The two roles may overlap in research skills, but their primary goals and work environments differ significantly.

More about Personal Historian jobs

What states have the most Personal Historian jobs?

States with the most job openings for Personal Historian jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Personal Historian jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Personal Historian jobs are:

Personal Historian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Personal Historian job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,335 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Architectural Historian

Stantec

Louisville, KY • On-site

Part-time

Posted 13 days ago

Stantec rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

122nd of 449 rated engineering

Job description


Stantec is seeking a motivated and dynamic early-to-mid career architectural historian to support our Cultural Resources Team and clients on a project-by-project basis. The qualified candidate will work on an hourly basis as needed with our professional team and senior architectural historians on a range of architectural history projects. This is primarily a hybrid position (candidate needs to reside in Kentucky) with limited office work and travel to project sites in Kentucky and Southern Indiana, as needed.
Your Key Responsibilities
  • Conduct background research; perform historic architectural field work; develop contextual analysis; assist with recommendations of NRHP eligibility; and assist with report preparation
  • Coordinate with the team to ensure quality of data, field work, and documentation efforts
  • Conduct limited regional field work on an as-needed basis
  • Projects will vary in size, scope, and complexity and will be conducted in close coordination and under the supervision of senior-level staff
  • Ability to complete physically demanding tasks in urban and rural settings and/or hot and dry climates, including walking, hiking, and field navigation
  • Qualified applicants should be able to demonstrate commitment to growth in areas of importance to our work, including good judgement, technical skills, and communication skills. The preferred candidate should also demonstrate a desire for new skill development.

Qualifications
Your Capabilities and Credentials
  • Experience/knowledge working with Section 106 of National Historic Preservation Act
  • Experience/knowledge of the National Register of Historic Places and the Secretary of Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties
  • Strong writing and research skills necessary
  • Fluency using Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) as well as Adobe Acrobat
  • Working knowledge of mapping and ARCGIS-related programs preferred; must be able to read a map and utilize a fairly simple map application on a tablet or cell phone
  • Possess a valid driver's license with a good driving record.

Education and Experience
  • Master's degree in Historic Preservation, Public History, History, or closely related field
  • One to seven years of professional experience preferred

This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice. Please Note that selected candidates will be required to pass a drug screen, motor vehicle record and background check.
Stantec is a place where the best and brightest come to build on each other's talents, do exciting work, and make an impact on the world around us. Join us and redefine your personal best.

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