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Public History Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Library Systems & Services LLC

Archivist

Beltsville, MD · On-site

$60K - $72K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Master's degree in library and information science (MLIS) or equivalent graduate degree with coursework in archives management from an ALA-accredited program , OR a graduate degree in history, public ...

Library Systems & Services LLC

Archivist

Beltsville, MD · On-site

$60K - $72K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Master's degree in library and information science (MLIS) or equivalent graduate degree with coursework in archives management from an ALA-accredited program , OR a graduate degree in history, public ...

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All JobsPublic History JobsPublic History Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Public History information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$28.9K

$111.2K

$190.7K

How much do public history jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for public history in Silver Spring, MD is $111,165.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $138,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Public History jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of Public History jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What are popular job titles related to Public History jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Public History jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Public History jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Public History jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Public History jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Public History job openings:

Public History jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public History job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,165 per year, or $53.4 per hour.

Public Affairs Historical Services Specialist - VA Based

History Factory

Springfield, VA • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

About History Factory
Since 1979, History Factory has been driven by the pioneering idea of making an organization's history more useful for driving its business. Today, many of the world's best enterprises turn to History Factory for unparalleled expertise at the intersection of business and history. Our unmatched combination of research and insights, standard-setting archives management and technology, and award-winning creative transforms a company's inventory of experience-its history and heritage-into better performance and results.
Research Contractor Job Summary:
We are proactively building a team of highly qualified Public Affairs Historical Research Specialists to support a potential government contract. This opportunity is contingent upon the award of the contract.
If awarded, this contract will provide a unique opportunity to contribute to the preservation and dissemination of the history of this organization.
Key Responsibilities (Contingent Upon Contract Award):
  • Apply professional museum quality standards and provide advice on inventorying and accountability procedures for historical artifacts.
  • Assist with internal charge out and external loan procedures for artifacts.
  • Advise on artifact selection, storage, and curation requirements.
  • Collaborate with the in-house historian to create and compose displays, posters, and exhibits.
  • Support the planning and execution of internal information, community, and media relations activities related to historical and museum programs.
  • Work with media relations on articles and other historical publications, adhering to AP Style and public affairs standards.
  • Conduct archival processing, basic preservation procedures, inventorying, and records metadata entry.
  • Assist in collaborative efforts with records management and the National Archives, advising on documents for displays and exhibits.
  • Organize archival records and apply proper classification systems to facilitate access.
  • Research and record the origins and historical significance of archival materials.
  • Locate new materials and advise government customers on acquisition, preservation, and display possibilities.
  • Provide museum management support to museum locations in St. Louis and Washington, including annual tour guide updates.
  • Conduct guided tours of museums and exhibits at both locations, collaborating with internal/external engagements and protocol teams on tour content and scripts.

Required Qualifications
  • Master's degree in history, public history, museum studies, information science, or a related field.
  • Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance.
  • Demonstrated experience in historical research, museum studies, archival management, or a related field.
  • Knowledge of museum quality standards and artifact preservation techniques.
  • Experience with archival processing, preservation, and metadata entry.
  • Strong writing and communication skills, including proficiency in AP Style.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with government personnel and other stakeholders.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Located in or within a commutable distance of Springfield, VA

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working with government agencies or the intelligence community.
  • Experience giving guided tours.

Important Note: This is a contingent opportunity, and employment is dependent upon the award of the government contract. We are building a qualified talent pool in anticipation of this potential project.
EEO and accessibility Statement
History Factory is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, family medical history or genetic information, disability, past or present military service, or any other characteristics protected under the laws applicable in the locations where History Factory operates. History Factory will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
History Factory is committed to the full inclusion of all individuals. We comply with federal and state disability laws and make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the job application or interview process, please contact accessibility@historyfactory.com.

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