Historians

19-3093.00

Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Research and prepare manuscripts in support of public programming and the development of exhibits at historic sites, museums, libraries, and archives.
• Conserve and preserve manuscripts, records, and other artifacts.
• Gather historical data from sources such as archives, court records, diaries, news files, and photographs, as well as from books, pamphlets, and periodicals.
• Conduct historical research as a basis for the identification, conservation, and reconstruction of historic places and materials.
• Present historical accounts in terms of individuals or social, ethnic, political, economic, or geographic groupings.
• Organize data, and analyze and interpret its authenticity and relative significance.
• Research the history of a particular country or region, or of a specific time period.
• Conduct historical research, and publish or present findings and theories.
• Recommend actions related to historical art, such as which items to add to a collection or which items to display in an exhibit.
• Determine which topics to research, or pursue research topics specified by clients or employers.
• Speak to various groups, organizations, and clubs to promote the aims and activities of historical societies.
• Advise or consult with individuals and institutions regarding issues such as the historical authenticity of materials or the customs of a specific historical period.
• Prepare publications and exhibits, or review those prepared by others, to ensure their historical accuracy.
• Trace historical development in a particular field, such as social, cultural, political, or diplomatic history.
• Organize information for publication and for other means of dissemination, such as via storage media or the Internet.
• Interview people to gather information about historical events and to record oral histories.
• Collect detailed information on individuals for use in biographies.
• Edit historical society publications.
• Coordinate activities of workers engaged in cataloging and filing materials.
• Translate or request translation of reference materials.
• Teach and conduct research in colleges, universities, museums, and other research agencies and schools.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - IBM SPSS Statistics 🔥; Statistical analysis software
• Cloud-based data access and sharing software - Microsoft SharePoint 🔥
• Data base management system software - Database management systems; Relational database management system RDMS
• Data base user interface and query software - Gutenberg-e; Microsoft Access 🔥; Reference management software; Structured query language SQL 🔥
• Data mining software - Text mining software; TokenX
• Desktop publishing software - Adobe InDesign 🔥; QuarkXPress
• Document management software - Adobe Acrobat 🔥; Web Scrapbook
• Electronic mail software - Email software
• Enterprise application integration software - Extensible markup language XML 🔥
• Geographic information system - ESRI ArcGIS software 🔥; Geographic information system GIS software
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Adobe Photoshop 🔥
• Industrial control software - Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software; Wonderware software
• Information retrieval or search software - Archival databases; ArchiveGrid; Archives Wiki; Digital image collections; Google Books NGram Viewer; Library of Congress digital collections; National Archives online databases; National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections (NUCMC); ProQuest Archive Finder; Searchable online catalogs; Smithsonian Institution digital archives
• Internet browser software - Page markers; Web browser software
• Map creation software - Digital mapping software
• Music or sound editing software - Audio editing software
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software 🔥
• Optical character reader OCR or scanning software - Scanning software
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel 🔥
• Web page creation and editing software - Adobe Dreamweaver; LinkedIn 🔥
• Web platform development software - Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP 🔥
• Word processing software - Corel WordPerfect Office Suite; Microsoft Word 🔥

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Conduct historical research.
• Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
• Prepare materials for preservation, storage, or display.
• Collect archival data.
• Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys.
• Instruct college students in social sciences or humanities disciplines.