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Public History Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bryn Mawr College

$42K - $57K/yr

Public History Research Fellow Bryn Mawr College: LITS_TEMP Location: Bryn Mawr College Campus Bryn Mawr College invites applications for apublic historian, archivist,scholar,or journalist ...

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 ...

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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$28K

$107.5K

$184.5K

How much do public history jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 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 profession makes $300,000 a year?

In the field of public history, salaries typically do not reach $300,000 annually. High-paying roles in related fields such as museum directors, senior archivists, or university professors with administrative responsibilities may approach or exceed this figure, especially with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership positions. However, such salaries are uncommon and often require additional responsibilities or private sector opportunities.

What jobs are good for people who like history?

Public history offers careers such as museum curator, archivist, historic preservationist, and cultural resource manager, which involve researching, interpreting, and presenting historical information. These roles often require strong research skills, knowledge of history, and familiarity with tools like databases and exhibit design. They are suitable for individuals passionate about history and interested in education, preservation, and public engagement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Public History position, 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 job?

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.

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.

Where do public historians work?

Public historians work in a variety of settings including museums, historic sites, archives, government agencies, universities, and cultural organizations. They often engage in research, exhibit development, public education, and preservation projects, utilizing skills in communication, research, and interpretation.

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 in various settings.
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Public History jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public History job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Internship, 40% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $107,533 per year, or $51.7 per hour.
Fall 2026-America 250-Ohio Commission Public History Internship

Fall 2026-America 250-Ohio Commission Public History Internship

Ohio History Connection

Columbus, OH • Hybrid

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

The Ohio History Connection's mission is to Spark Discovery of Ohio's stories.
Embrace the present, share the past and transform the future.

Position: Fall 2026- America 250-Ohio Commission Public History Internship

Type: Unpaid Internship or Academic Credit Internship

Schedule: Part-time, unpaid ten-week position starting on Monday, September 14- Friday, November 20, 2026

Notes on Schedule: Must be available weekdays for a minimum of 10 hours per week or minimum requirement for academic credit according to university guidelines

Location: Hybrid (Offices in Columbus, events statewide)

Reports to: Theme Months Project Coordinator

Application Period: Applications will be accepted until July 31, 2026. Once the position closes, applications will be reviewed and those candidates best fitting the needs of the position will be contacted for an interview.

About Ohio History Connection:

The Ohio History Connection, formerly the Ohio Historical Society, is a statewide history organization with the mission to spark discovery of Ohio's stories. Chartered in 1885, the OHC carries out history services for Ohio and its citizens focused on preserving and sharing the state's history. This includes housing the state historic preservation office, the official state archives, local history office and managing more than 50 sites and museums across Ohio.

Summary:

The Ohio Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial (also referred to as America250-Ohio) was formed through OH. Rev. Code 149.309 and announced on March 1, 2022 on Ohio's Statehood Day by Governor Mike DeWine. America250-Ohio is charged with leading Ohio's celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.

We are seeking an aspiring historian or public historian to play a significant role in our summer 2026 efforts to help Ohioans engage with the rich history and heritage of our state in alignment with America 250-Ohio's 12 Monthly Themes. The America 250-Ohio Public History Intern will support these storytelling efforts by writing blog posts, historic site reviews, and video scripts for a general readership.

Essential Functions

  • Support team to help plan, execute, and promote storytelling efforts
  • Compose blog posts, historic site reviews, and video scripts to highlight different aspects of Ohio's history for a general audience
  • Prepare shorter snippets of longer-form written content for web and social media distribution
  • Assist in preparing video scripts for special projects at historic sites, museums, archives, etc.
  • Contribute to creative historical storytelling for a general audience

Required Education, Skills, Experience:

  • Must be enrolled in an academic program OR a recent graduate from an academic program (within one year)
  • Majors in History, Public History, English, or related field
  • Experience with Word, Adobe Acrobat, Teams, and Outlook

Required Competencies:

  • Works well both independently and with and in support of colleagues to complete work
  • Demonstrates a potential to communicate well in written and verbal communications, including informal mediums like email and meetings

  • Must be able to communicate well with a variety of different community groups and populations

  • Attention to detail

Other Requirements:

  • Must complete a background check and internship onboarding paperwork
  • Must create and account and log hours via Track It Forward
  • Must present at the summer internship summit
  • Must attend professional development opportunities and meetings when requested

Education and Experience Outcomes:

  • Public-facing writing and storytelling experience
  • Experience supporting public history projects/initiatives
  • Understanding of a variety of target audiences
  • Opportunity to develop writing skills and public history experience with wide distribution
  • Team collaboration and networking skills

Application Instructions

To apply, visit www/ohiohistory.org/jobs and use the Applicant Tracking System to apply. Include resume, cover letter, and applicable application materials. For questions and accommodations, email applicant@ohiohistory.org or call 614-297-2500

Apply