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Public Historian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Library of Congress

Historian

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$121K - $158K/yr

The Historian is the primary technical expert on the history of the Library of Congress and as the ... in public outreach on issues pertaining to the Library's history. * Develop and maintain an ...

347 Group, Inc.

Architectural Historian

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$52K - $68K/yr

Master of Arts (evidence of completion or nearly completed) in Historic Preservation, Public ... Compensation based on experience. (Architectural, Historian, GIS, Historic Preservation, Cultural ...

Olsson

Architectural Historian

Kansas City, KS · On-site

Public Engagement and Outreach:  Organizing public meetings and workshops to gather community ... Historian * Practical experience in archaeological or historical research, cultural resource ...

Olsson

Architectural Historian

Jacksonville, AR · On-site

Public Engagement and Outreach:  Organizing public meetings and workshops to gather community ... Historian * Practical experience in archaeological or historical research, cultural resource ...

Olsson

Architectural Historian

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

Organizing public meetings and workshops to gather community input, shaping projects through ... Historian * Practical experience in archaeological or historical research, cultural resource ...

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Public Historian information

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$30.5K

$86.3K

$137.5K

How much do public historian jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for public 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 public historians?

Public historians are professionals who interpret and present history to the public outside of traditional academic settings. They work in museums, archives, historic sites, government agencies, and community organizations, making history accessible and relevant to diverse audiences. Public historians often engage in activities such as curation, exhibit design, oral history projects, and educational programming. Their work helps communities understand and connect with their past, ensuring that history is preserved and communicated in meaningful ways.

How much do public historians make?

Public 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 employer, such as museums, government agencies, or universities, and may include benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.

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

To thrive as a Public Historian, you need expertise in historical research, interpretation, and public engagement, typically supported by an advanced degree in history or public history. Experience with digital archives, museum collection software, and project management tools is often required, along with knowledge of preservation standards. Exceptional communication, collaboration, and storytelling skills help public historians make history accessible and relevant to diverse audiences. These competencies are vital for preserving historical integrity while engaging the public and supporting educational outreach.

What can I do with a public history degree?

A public historian can work in museums, archives, historic sites, or government agencies, focusing on preserving and interpreting history for the public. They often develop exhibits, educational programs, and manage collections, requiring skills in research, communication, and often familiarity with digital tools. Careers in this field typically involve project management, public engagement, and may require relevant certifications or advanced degrees.

What does a public historian do?

A public historian researches, interprets, and presents history to the public through museums, archives, historic sites, and educational programs. They often use storytelling, exhibit design, and digital tools to make history accessible and engaging for diverse audiences.

What profession makes $300,000 a year?

Public historians typically do not earn $300,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive roles, specialized medical professionals, or high-level corporate executives. Most public historians earn a median salary significantly lower, though senior positions or consulting roles may approach higher income levels with extensive experience and additional responsibilities.

What is the difference between Public Historian vs Museum Curator?

AspectPublic HistorianMuseum Curator
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in History, Public History, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Museum Studies, History, or related field
Work EnvironmentHistorical sites, government agencies, community organizationsMuseums, galleries, cultural institutions
Employer & Industry UsagePublic history projects, educational programs, archivesExhibition planning, collection management, curation

Public Historians focus on making history accessible to the public through education, outreach, and preservation projects, often working in community or government settings. Museum Curators primarily manage collections, develop exhibitions, and oversee museum operations. While both roles require history-related credentials and involve public engagement, Public Historians emphasize community-based projects, whereas Museum Curators concentrate on collection and exhibit management.

What are some typical challenges public historians face when working with diverse community groups on historical projects?

Public historians often collaborate with a wide range of community groups, each with their own perspectives and interests regarding historical interpretation. A common challenge is balancing differing viewpoints and ensuring that all voices are represented accurately and respectfully. Effective public historians must employ strong communication and facilitation skills to build trust, navigate sensitive topics, and mediate conflicts. This collaborative approach not only enriches the historical narrative but also fosters meaningful community engagement and learning.
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Public Historian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Historian job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,335 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Public Historian - T. Paine (79904)

IONA UNIVERSITY

New Rochelle, NY

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

The National Council on Public History (NCPH) defines the work of public historians as “the many and diverse ways in which history is put to work in the world…it is history that is applied to real-world issues.” Drawing on this mission, the Public Historian plays a vital role at the ITPS (Institute for Thomas Paine Studies) as an educator, community liaison, program developer, and public scholar. The Public Historian’s efforts center around three primary initiatives: the expansion of student-learning and research opportunities; maintaining and growing relationships within and outside of the university community, especially with interested partners at historic sites, museums, libraries, and archives; and creating engaging scholarly and public-facing programming. The Public Historian reports to the ITPS Director and works with colleagues at the ITPS, the Provost Office, History Department, Ryan Library, community partners, and across the university. Experience with digital public history is especially welcomed. The Public Historian should hold either a MA in Public History (or related degree) or a Ph.D. in American History, with expertise in eighteenth and/or nineteenth-century history, and a year+ of related public history experience.

1.    Curriculum and Student Engagement, including: manage and grow the ITPS public and digital history internship program; teach the introductory course in the ITPS minor in Digital Humanities and Public History (DH210); develop and support student-research and pre-professional opportunities at the ITPS. 

2.    Community Liaison and Programming Development, including: coordinate existing and develop field partnerships for the internship program as well as other collaborations with other organizations (for example, archives, libraries, museums, heritage sites and educational institutions); work with the ITPS director on organizing public-facing and academic programming (for example, conferences, workshops, lectures, author talks); work on related digital programming (for example, the ITPS research portal, podcast, newsletter, blog).

3.    Archival and Scholarly-Related Activity, including: pursue publication in peer-reviewed and popular media formats in collaboration with the ITPS and individually; work with the digital liaison and library colleagues to support initiatives around the Paine archival collections; work  on scholarly programming and partnerships at the ITPS (for example, fellowship, press collaborations). 

4.    Collaboration on ITPS grant-related and civic initiatives, as they arise, including: work with the ITPS team, the Provost Office, and the Grants Office, as well as other interested partners, on public and private grant applications and/or other opportunities around the university; prepare relevant materials to this process for interested donors, organizations; and other related activities, as they arise. 

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

About Iona/EEO Statement:

Founded in 1940, Iona University is a private, Catholic, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers. Iona is a growing, highly accredited institution located just 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan, with campuses in New Rochelle, Bronxville, and a new location in County Mayo, Ireland. With over 4,000 students, Iona offers small classes, engaged faculty, and a wide range of programs across the School of Arts & Science, the LaPenta School of Business (AACSBaccredited), the NewYorkPresbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences, and the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation.

Recognized by The Princeton Review, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and U.S. News & World Report, Iona is nationally ranked for academic quality, social mobility, and longterm return on investment. The University’s continued growth and rising reputation reflect its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, service, and opportunity.

Iona University values and celebrates diversity and is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and applicants for employment. Iona is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered free from discrimination based on any legally protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local laws. Iona University encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. 

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