What is a Public Historian? Roles & Career Paths

Public history represents an intersection between academic historical study and practical application, distinct from traditional academic roles. The National Council on Public History is an organization that actively promotes the field of public history through resources and advocacy. These resources are invaluable to professionals who are seeking to understand what is a public historian and the opportunities available to them. Oral history, as a methodology, helps public historians gather firsthand accounts and personal narratives, enriching historical interpretation and offering diverse perspectives. Furthermore, museums serve as vital sites where public historians engage communities by curating exhibits and developing educational programs.

Unveiling the World of Public History

Public History represents a dynamic and evolving field that extends the study and practice of history beyond traditional academic settings. It encompasses a broad range of activities dedicated to making history accessible, relevant, and engaging for diverse public audiences.

It's about more than just dusty textbooks and scholarly articles. It's about bringing history to life in museums, archives, historic sites, and communities.

Defining the Scope of Public History

Public History is often defined by where history is practiced, rather than simply what history is. This includes institutions such as museums, archives, and historic sites, but also encompasses government agencies, cultural resource management firms, and community organizations.

It is also defined by how history is practiced, emphasizing collaboration, accessibility, and public engagement. It's a conscious effort to move beyond the ivory tower.

Growing Importance in Today's Society

In an era marked by rapid social and political change, a deep understanding of the past is more crucial than ever. Public History plays a vital role in fostering informed citizenship, promoting critical thinking, and encouraging meaningful dialogue about our shared heritage.

By connecting the past to the present, it helps us to understand the complexities of our world and to make informed decisions about the future. It is about using the past to understand the present and shape the future.

An Interdisciplinary Approach

Public History inherently operates at the intersection of multiple disciplines. Historians in this field often collaborate with professionals from diverse backgrounds, including:

• Museum curators: Those who bring history to life through exhibitions.
• Archivists: Guardians of primary sources that tell the story of our past.
• Educators: Those who impart knowledge to the next generation.
• Community organizers: Those who connect history to local issues.
• Digital media specialists: Those who leverage technology to broaden access to the past.

This interdisciplinary approach enriches the field and ensures that historical narratives are presented in innovative and accessible ways.

The Power of Historical Interpretation

At its core, Public History is about interpretation. It's about making sense of the past and communicating its significance to a broad audience.

This process of interpretation is not neutral; it is shaped by the perspectives, values, and biases of the interpreter. Public historians must be mindful of these influences and strive to present diverse and inclusive narratives.

Public Engagement: A Cornerstone of the Field

Public engagement is paramount. Public historians are not just experts; they are facilitators, engaging communities in conversations about their own histories.

This can involve collaborative projects, community workshops, and public forums. By actively involving the public, historians can foster a deeper sense of ownership and connection to the past.

Ultimately, Public History seeks to empower individuals and communities to understand their place in the larger historical narrative. This understanding is essential for creating a more just and equitable future.

Navigating the Landscape: Key Institutions and Organizations in Public History

Unveiling the World of Public History

Public History represents a dynamic and evolving field that extends the study and practice of history beyond traditional academic settings.

It encompasses a broad range of activities dedicated to making history accessible, relevant, and engaging for diverse public audiences.

It's about more than just dusty texts; it's about how we connect with the past in the present. This section will explore the key institutions and organizations that are the cornerstones of Public History.

From museums to archives, each plays a unique role in shaping our understanding and appreciation of the past.

Museums: Stewards of Memory and Learning

Museums, whether dedicated to history, art, science, or children, stand as prominent institutions in the Public History landscape.

They serve as vital centers for preservation, carefully safeguarding artifacts and documents for future generations.

More than just repositories, museums are active interpreters of the past, crafting exhibitions and programs that bring history to life.

They act as educators, fostering critical thinking and inspiring a deeper understanding of our shared heritage. The best museums understand the need to reflect a multitude of voices.

Archives: Guardians of Primary Sources

Archives, including national, state, local, university, and corporate repositories, are the bedrock of historical research.

They shoulder the critical responsibility of preserving primary source materials, the raw ingredients of historical inquiry.

These materials, ranging from government documents to personal letters, provide invaluable insights into past events and experiences.

By providing access to these resources, archives empower researchers, students, and the public to engage directly with the historical record.

Historic Sites: Preserving Places of Significance

Historic sites, encompassing national parks, state historic sites, local landmarks, and battlefields, offer tangible connections to the past.

These locations serve as commemorative spaces, honoring significant events and individuals who shaped our history.

Through preservation efforts, these sites protect historical landscapes, ensuring that future generations can experience the places where history unfolded.

They provide a vital context for understanding the past and its enduring legacy. Some face a unique challenge to survive.

Government Agencies: Policymakers of the Past

Government agencies, such as the National Park Service (NPS), State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs), and local planning departments, play a crucial role in preserving historical resources.

These agencies are responsible for identifying, evaluating, and protecting historic properties within their jurisdictions.

They integrate preservation considerations into policy-making, ensuring that development and planning decisions account for the impact on historical resources.

These agencies are essential to maintain the historic integrity of our spaces.

Libraries: Gateways to Historical Knowledge

Libraries, both public and university-based with special collections, offer a wealth of resources for historical research and public engagement.

They provide access to books, articles, maps, and other materials that illuminate the past.

Libraries also host public programs, such as lectures, workshops, and exhibitions, that bring history to life for diverse audiences.

They serve as vital community hubs for learning and exploration.

Cultural Resource Management (CRM) Firms: Protecting Heritage in the Built Environment

Cultural Resource Management (CRM) firms operate in the realm of archaeological and historical consulting.

They work to identify and assess the impact of development projects on cultural resources, ensuring compliance with environmental laws.

CRM firms conduct archaeological surveys, historical research, and preservation planning, helping to protect historical sites and artifacts from damage or destruction.

Their expertise is crucial in mitigating the effects of construction.

Universities: Training Grounds for Future Public Historians

Universities, through their academic programs and research centers, play a central role in educating and training future Public History professionals.

They offer specialized curricula that equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the field.

Universities also conduct research on Public History issues, contributing to the scholarly understanding of the field.

Non-Profit Organizations: Advocates for Local History

Non-profit organizations, including historical societies, preservation organizations, and community history groups, are vital advocates for local history.

These organizations promote awareness of local historical resources, organize events and programs, and advocate for preservation efforts.

They play a crucial role in engaging communities with their past and ensuring that local stories are preserved for future generations.

Zoos and Aquariums: Interpreting Natural History

Zoos and aquariums increasingly recognize their role in interpreting the history and ecology of animals and their environments.

They present exhibits that explore the relationship between humans and animals, highlighting conservation efforts and the impact of human activity on the natural world.

They educate visitors about the importance of biodiversity and environmental stewardship.

Botanical Gardens: Cultivating an Understanding of Plants and History

Botanical gardens offer a unique perspective on the history and ecology of plants and gardens.

They interpret the cultural significance of plants, showcasing their role in human societies throughout history.

Botanical gardens also educate visitors about plant conservation and the importance of preserving biodiversity.

Professional Organizations: Setting Standards and Providing Support

Professional organizations, such as the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH), the National Council on Public History (NCPH), the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Society of American Archivists (SAA), the Organization of American Historians (OAH), the American Historical Association (AHA), the International Council of Museums (ICOM), and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), play a crucial role in setting standards for the field, providing resources for professionals, and advocating for the importance of Public History.

These organizations offer professional development opportunities, networking opportunities, and a collective voice for the field.

Core Concepts and Methodologies: The Building Blocks of Public History

Navigating the landscape of institutions and organizations is crucial, but equally important is understanding the bedrock principles that guide the practice of Public History. These core concepts and methodologies provide a framework for engaging with the past in a meaningful and responsible manner.

Understanding Oral History

Oral history involves the collection and preservation of personal narratives through recorded interviews. This method offers invaluable insights into the experiences and perspectives of individuals, often those marginalized or underrepresented in traditional historical records.

By capturing these voices, public historians can create a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of the past.

The Significance of Material Culture

Material culture analysis focuses on the study of objects and artifacts to understand past societies. Examining the design, production, and use of objects can reveal valuable information about cultural values, social practices, and technological developments.

This approach allows public historians to connect with the past through tangible evidence, making history more accessible and engaging for the public.

Preserving the Past: Historic Preservation

Historic preservation is the practice of protecting and managing historical resources, including buildings, sites, and landscapes. This involves identifying, documenting, and preserving these resources for future generations.

Preservation efforts not only safeguard physical remnants of the past but also contribute to a sense of place and cultural identity.

Cultural Resource Management (CRM)

Cultural Resource Management (CRM) is a specialized field that focuses on managing cultural resources in compliance with environmental and historic preservation regulations. CRM firms conduct archaeological surveys, historical research, and impact assessments to protect cultural resources during development projects.

This work ensures that historical sites and artifacts are considered and protected in the face of modern development.

Digital History and its Applications

Digital history utilizes digital tools and technologies to conduct historical research, create online exhibits, and engage the public with history in new ways. This includes creating interactive websites, virtual tours, and digital archives.

Digital history expands access to historical information and offers innovative ways to present and interpret the past.

Community History: Engaging Local Voices

Community history focuses on the history of local communities and involves engaging community members in the research and interpretation process. This approach empowers local residents to explore their own history and share their stories.

By working collaboratively with communities, public historians can foster a sense of ownership and pride in the past.

Museum Education: Making History Accessible

Museum education aims to create engaging and educational experiences for museum visitors of all ages. This involves developing interpretive programs, interactive exhibits, and educational resources that bring history to life.

Museum educators play a crucial role in making history accessible and relevant to a broad audience.

Historical Consulting: Providing Expert Guidance

Historical consulting involves providing historical expertise to various clients, including government agencies, private businesses, and non-profit organizations. Historical consultants conduct research, write reports, and provide advice on historical issues.

They help organizations make informed decisions about preservation, interpretation, and commemoration.

Memory and Commemoration: Reflecting on the Past

Memory and commemoration explore how societies remember the past and how historical events are commemorated through monuments, memorials, and public rituals. These practices shape collective identity and reinforce cultural values.

Public historians play a critical role in facilitating discussions about memory and commemoration, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered.

Heritage Tourism: Connecting with History Through Travel

Heritage tourism promotes tourism based on historical and cultural resources. This involves developing tourism products and experiences that highlight local history and culture.

Heritage tourism can generate economic benefits for communities while also raising awareness of historical preservation efforts.

Accessibility and Inclusion

Accessibility and inclusion are paramount in Public History. Ensuring that historical resources and interpretations are accessible to all members of the public, regardless of their abilities, backgrounds, or identities is critical.

This includes providing physical access to sites, developing inclusive interpretation strategies, and addressing issues of representation.

Navigating Contested History

Contested history refers to difficult and controversial historical topics that evoke strong emotions and conflicting interpretations. Public historians must navigate these topics with sensitivity and respect for diverse perspectives.

Facilitating dialogue and promoting critical thinking are essential for addressing contested history in a responsible manner.

Object-Based Learning: Tangible Connections

Object-based learning uses tangible objects as a primary tool for learning and engagement. This approach allows people to connect with the past through direct interaction with artifacts and historical materials.

It provides a hands-on, multisensory learning experience that can be particularly effective for engaging diverse learners.

Place-Based Learning: Connecting to Local Environments

Place-based learning connects learning experiences to specific locations and environments. This approach encourages students to explore the history, culture, and ecology of their local communities.

By engaging with their surroundings, students develop a deeper understanding of the past and its relevance to their lives.

Navigating the landscape of institutions and organizations is crucial, but equally important is understanding the bedrock principles that guide the practice of Public History. These core concepts and methodologies provide a framework for engaging with the past in a meaningful and impactful way. Now, let's delve into the essential tools and methods that equip the public historian to translate these concepts into action.

Essential Tools and Methods: Equipping the Public Historian

Public historians are not just passive observers of the past; they are active interpreters and communicators. To effectively engage with the public and bring history to life, they must be equipped with a diverse range of tools and methods. This section outlines some of the most essential, providing guidance on their effective application.

Archival Research: Unlocking Primary Sources

Archival research forms the cornerstone of historical inquiry. Public historians rely heavily on primary sources to uncover firsthand accounts and perspectives.

Navigating archives effectively requires a strategic approach. Begin with a clear research question and develop a search strategy that identifies relevant collections.

Familiarize yourself with archival finding aids, which provide detailed descriptions of the materials held within. Pay close attention to collection scopes, arrangement, and access restrictions.

Mastering the art of deciphering handwriting from different periods and understanding the context in which documents were created are crucial skills.

Oral History Interviewing: Capturing Living Voices

Oral history interviewing offers a powerful means of collecting and preserving personal narratives. It allows public historians to capture the voices of individuals whose stories might otherwise be lost to time.

Preparation is key to a successful oral history interview. Research the interviewee's background, develop a list of open-ended questions, and obtain informed consent.

During the interview, listen actively and create a comfortable environment for the interviewee to share their experiences. Follow up on interesting leads and allow the conversation to flow naturally.

After the interview, transcribe the recording accurately and preserve it in an accessible format. Consider donating the oral history to an archive or making it available online for wider audiences.

Exhibition Design: Crafting Engaging Narratives

Exhibition design is the art of translating historical information into engaging and accessible museum exhibits. Public historians collaborate with designers, curators, and educators to create immersive experiences that captivate visitors.

A successful exhibit begins with a clear narrative and a well-defined target audience. Consider the messages you want to convey and the stories you want to tell.

Utilize a variety of media to engage visitors' senses, including artifacts, photographs, text panels, interactive displays, and audio-visual elements.

Ensure that the exhibit is accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Consider the needs of visitors with disabilities and provide accommodations as needed.

Website Development: Building Digital Platforms for History

In today's digital age, website development is an essential skill for public historians. A well-designed website can serve as a powerful platform for sharing historical information, engaging with the public, and promoting historical projects.

Start with a clear purpose and target audience in mind. Consider the types of content you want to include and the features you want to offer.

Choose a user-friendly platform that is easy to navigate and maintain. Consider using a content management system (CMS) like WordPress or Drupal.

Ensure that the website is accessible on a variety of devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Optimize the website for search engines to increase its visibility.

Social Media: Engaging the Public in Historical Conversations

Social media platforms offer unparalleled opportunities for public historians to engage with the public and promote historical understanding.

Develop a social media strategy that aligns with your goals and target audience. Choose platforms that are relevant to your audience and create content that is engaging and informative.

Use social media to share interesting historical facts, images, and stories. Encourage followers to share their own experiences and perspectives.

Respond to comments and questions promptly and foster a sense of community. Use social media to promote upcoming events and initiatives.

Grant Writing: Securing Funding for Historical Projects

Grant writing is a crucial skill for public historians who seek funding for their projects. Grants can provide the financial resources needed to conduct research, develop exhibits, preserve historical sites, and implement educational programs.

Research potential funding sources and identify grant opportunities that align with your project goals.

Develop a compelling grant proposal that clearly articulates the purpose, scope, and impact of your project.

Follow the grant guidelines carefully and submit your proposal by the deadline. Seek feedback from colleagues and mentors before submitting your proposal.

Public Speaking: Communicating History with Confidence

Public speaking is an essential skill for public historians who want to share their knowledge with a wider audience. Whether you're giving a lecture, leading a tour, or presenting at a conference, effective public speaking can help you communicate your message with confidence and clarity.

Prepare your presentation carefully and practice your delivery. Use visuals to enhance your presentation and keep your audience engaged.

Speak clearly and concisely, and avoid using jargon or technical terms that your audience may not understand.

Be passionate about your subject and let your enthusiasm shine through. Engage with your audience by asking questions and encouraging participation.

Influential Voices: Shaping the Landscape of Public History

Navigating the landscape of institutions and organizations is crucial, but equally important is understanding the bedrock principles that guide the practice of Public History. These core concepts and methodologies provide a framework for engaging with the past in a meaningful and impactful way. Now, let's delve into the essential tools and methods by examining the contributions of several pivotal figures.

The field of Public History owes its vibrancy and direction to the dedication and vision of numerous individuals. These pioneers have not only advanced the discipline through their scholarly work but have also championed its relevance in engaging diverse audiences with the past.

John Dichtl: Guiding AASLH and Promoting Historical Excellence

John Dichtl's leadership as the President and CEO of the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) significantly impacted the field. His tenure was marked by a focus on strengthening historical organizations and promoting best practices in the profession.

Dichtl’s dedication to AASLH's mission of supporting state and local history fostered a stronger sense of community and collaboration among practitioners. His efforts in developing educational programs and resources helped elevate the quality of historical interpretation and preservation nationwide.

Robert Weyeneth: Championing Historic Preservation

Robert Weyeneth stands out as a leading voice in historic preservation. His scholarship has explored the theoretical and practical aspects of preserving historical resources, making a lasting contribution to our understanding of the built environment.

Weyeneth's book, “The Architecture of the Synagogue,” offered crucial insights and guidelines into maintaining historical structures. His work has inspired countless preservationists to advocate for the protection of cultural heritage.

Roy Rosenzweig: Pioneering Digital History

Roy Rosenzweig was a visionary in the field of digital history. He recognized the transformative potential of technology to democratize access to historical knowledge and create new avenues for public engagement.

His work at the Center for History and New Media at George Mason University revolutionized how history is researched, taught, and disseminated. Rosenzweig's commitment to open-source resources and collaborative projects has left an enduring legacy on the field.

Spencer Crew: Transforming Museum Leadership

Spencer Crew is a highly respected historian and museum leader. His career has been defined by a commitment to making museums more inclusive and relevant to diverse communities.

Crew’s tenure at the National Museum of American History saw significant efforts to incorporate underrepresented narratives into the museum’s exhibitions and programs. His emphasis on community engagement and social justice has set a new standard for museum practice.

Dolores Hayden: Bridging Architecture, Urban Planning, and Public History

Dolores Hayden’s work elegantly bridges the disciplines of architecture, urban planning, and Public History. Her scholarship has focused on the ways in which the built environment reflects and shapes social relations.

Hayden’s book, "The Power of Place: Urban Landscapes as Public History," explores how everyday landscapes can be powerful sites of memory and identity. Her approach encourages a deeper understanding of the intersection between history and the physical world.

A Legacy of Inspiration

These influential figures represent just a fraction of the individuals who have shaped the field of Public History. Their collective contributions serve as a source of inspiration for current and future generations of public historians. By embracing their vision and building upon their accomplishments, we can continue to advance the field and make history more accessible and meaningful to all.

So, if you've ever wondered what a public historian really does, hopefully, this has shed some light. It's a career that blends a love of the past with a desire to share it with the world, and as you can see, the possibilities for someone interested in what a public historian can be are pretty diverse. Now, go forth and explore!