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Public History Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Living History Asst

Dayton, OH ยท 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 ...

With our historic growth, it is an exciting time to join our team of employee-owners. This ... Organizes and participates in public meetings. Attends various meetings with clients, other ...

$60 - $80/hr

Experience teaching or developing digital public history projects is preferred. * Demonstrated commitment to undergraduate education. Responsibilities The successful candidate will teach twelve ...

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$28K

$107.5K

$184.5K

How much do public history jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 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 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 important, 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 in various settings.

What does a public history do?

A public historian applies historical knowledge to engage the public through museums, archives, historic sites, and community programs. They research, interpret, and communicate history to diverse audiences, often using storytelling, exhibits, and educational activities to make history accessible and relevant.
More about Public History jobs

What cities are hiring for Public History jobs?

Cities with the most Public History job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Public History jobs?

The most popular types of Public History jobs are:

What states have the most Public History jobs?

States with the most job openings for Public History jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Public History jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Public History jobs are:

Infographic showing various Public History job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $107,533 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Assistant Professor of History

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.

Fairmont, WV โ€ข On-site

$60 - $85/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Posting Details

Posting Summary

Working Title

Assistant Professor of History

Type of Position

Faculty

Department

Dept of Social Science

Appointment Length

Aug - May (9 mo)

Tenure Status

2 - Tenure Track

Academic Rank

3 - Assistant Professor

Is this considered a 'term' position?

No

Benefits Eligible?

Yes

Published Salary F.T.E.

1.00

Grant Funded Position?

No

If temporary (or grant funded) position, indicate endingdate Description of Job Duties and Responsibilities

The History Program at Fairmont State University is currently recruiting candidates for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of History specializing in Public History for a Fall 2027 appointment. The successful candidate for this position will teach courses in History as well as for the Museum Studies minor, with teaching responsibilities divided 50-50 between those fields. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the History major and Museum Studies minor programs through curriculum development, promotion, recruitment, and growing partnerships with local, regional, and national museums and historic sites. Preference will be given to candidates with broad experience in public history, with special consideration given to candidates with experience in museum studies. Additional experience in historical archives, oral history, material culture, historic preservation, heritage tourism, and/or folklore is preferred, as is expertise in Appalachian Studies. The ability to teach both survey and upper-level courses in 18th- and 19th-century American History is strongly preferred. The required teaching load is four classes per semester. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent, enthusiastic teaching and student advocacy; ability to work cooperatively and productively with faculty, staff and students; commitment to productivity and professional development; ability to use technology effectively in teaching, learning and assessment and active participation in department, college and community service. Founded in 1865, Fairmont State University offers a proud tradition of quality education to approximately 3,500 students with undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including liberal arts, education, business, engineering technology, and pre-professional education. Fairmont State University sits in a beautiful, rural setting convenient in proximity to larger cities such as Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC.

Minimum Required Education

Terminal degree in history or related field. ABD will be considered.

Required Licenses and/or Certifications
  • -
Required Licenses Certs Summary
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Minimum Required Qualifications
  • -
Required Quals Summary
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Preferred Qualifications
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Posting Detail Information Requisition Number

2026046FP

Number of Vacancies

1

Anticipated Hire Date

August 2027

Position End Date (if temporary) Job Open Date

08/10/2026

Job Close Date

09/21/2026

Open Until Filled

No

Applicant Documents Required Documents
  1. Resume/CV
  2. Cover Letter
  3. Statement of Philoposhy
Optional Documents
  1. Certification/License
  2. Transcript #1
  3. Transcript #2
  4. Transcript #3
Quicklink for Posting

https://www.fairmontstatejobs.com/postings/11656

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