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Public History Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DAYTON HISTORY

Living History Asst

Dayton, OH · On-site

$10.70/hr

Education in History, Public History, Museum Studies or related field * Bachelor's degree preferred * Experience working with children preferred * Strong attention to detail and accuracy * Strong ...

DAYTON HISTORY

Living History Asst

Dayton, OH

$10.70/hr

Education in History, Public History, Museum Studies or related field * Bachelor's degree preferred * Experience working with children preferred * Strong attention to detail and accuracy * Strong ...

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$107.5K

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How much do public history jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for public history in the United States is $107,533.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $134,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in public history, and why are they important?

To thrive in Public History, you need a solid understanding of historical research methods, public engagement strategies, and often a relevant degree such as public history, museum studies, or archival science. Familiarity with digital archives, collections management software, and interpretive exhibit tools is frequently required. Outstanding communication, collaboration, and project management abilities help professionals share history effectively with diverse audiences. These skills ensure accurate historical interpretation, engaging educational experiences, and successful outreach in museum, archival, or cultural heritage settings.

What is a public history?

A Public History job involves applying historical research and interpretation outside of traditional academic settings. Public historians work in museums, archives, historic sites, government agencies, and nonprofits, helping to preserve and communicate history to the public. Their tasks may include curating exhibits, managing collections, conducting oral histories, or developing educational programs. Public historians also contribute to historic preservation, policy advising, and digital history projects. The field bridges scholarly research with public engagement, making history accessible and relevant to diverse audiences.

Is a public history degree worth it?

A public history degree prepares individuals for careers in museums, archives, and cultural organizations by developing skills in research, interpretation, and public engagement. While job prospects can vary, the degree can enhance employability in these fields, especially when combined with internships or practical experience.

How to get a job in public history?

To get a job in public history, candidates typically need a relevant degree such as a master's in history, public history, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships, volunteering, or working at museums, archives, or historic sites is valuable, along with developing skills in research, communication, and public engagement. Familiarity with digital tools and strong writing abilities can also enhance job prospects in this field.

What are typical daily responsibilities for someone working in public history?

Professionals in public history often engage in researching and interpreting historical topics, developing exhibits or educational programs, and curating collections for museums or historic sites. You may work on gathering oral histories, digitizing archival materials, or leading public tours and community events. Collaboration is common with curators, educators, researchers, and volunteers to ensure accurate and engaging public presentations. The role is both intellectually stimulating and highly interactive, often involving outreach to engage diverse community groups. As a result, public historians play a vital role in making history accessible and relevant beyond academic settings.

What does a public historian do?

A public historian researches, interprets, and presents historical information to the public through museums, archives, historic sites, and educational programs. They often use skills in research, writing, and communication, and may work with digital tools or exhibit design to make history accessible and engaging for diverse audiences.

What can you do with a public history degree?

A public history degree prepares individuals for careers in museums, archives, historic preservation, and cultural resource management. Graduates often work as museum curators, historic site managers, archivists, or public educators, utilizing research, communication, and preservation skills. The role may require familiarity with tools like collections management software and knowledge of historical interpretation and public engagement.
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Public History jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public History job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,533 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Part Time - Public History - Adjunct Faculty

The Pennsylvania State University

Abington, PA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Penn State Abington's Division of Arts and Humanities seeks a Public History instructor for a part-time appointment to begin in January 2026. This is a one-semester, non-tenure track appointment with the possibility of reappointment. Candidates with a student-centered, innovative, and engaging approach to teaching are encouraged to apply. Information about Abington's public history minor is available here: https://www.abington.psu.edu/academics/history/public-history

Job Duties
  • The successful candidate will teach one undergraduate course in public history. There may be an opportunity to teach a second course in history or a related field.
Requirements and Qualifications
  • Applicants must hold a master's degree or PhD in history, public history, museum studies, or a related field.
  • Professional experience working with public history institutions is strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated excellence in teaching at the college level is strongly preferred.
  • Applicants must have the ability to communicate effectively with an ethnically and culturally diverse student population.

This role may be appointed at the rank of Adjunct Instructor or Adjunct Professor, depending on the candidate's academic credentials and relevant experience. The review process will begin immediately and continue until the vacancy is filled. Applicants should submit an electronic dossier (no paper submissions please) including:

  • A cover letter
  • A curriculum vitae
  • A list of courses taught at the college level
  • A statement of teaching philosophy

Candidates should be prepared to provide the names, titles, and contact information for three professional references, if requested.

The Abington College of Pennsylvania State University is a four-year college with a diverse student population in the suburb of Abington near Philadelphia. For more information about the college, visit our website at: www.abington.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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About Pennsylvania State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

Industry

Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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