Historical Society Staff Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In this era of rapid technological development, the focus on the role of Historical Society Staff has never been more pertinent.

As we delve deeper into the annals of time, the demand for skilled professionals who can meticulously record, interpret, and safeguard our historical archives becomes increasingly crucial.

But what’s truly expected from a Historical Society Staff member?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring historian seeking to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A recruitment officer defining the ideal candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the operations of historical societies,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Historical Society Staff job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Historical Society Staff Duties and Responsibilities

Historical Society Staff are responsible for preserving and promoting knowledge about historical events, places, and artifacts.

They work with a variety of materials, including documents, photographs, and artifacts, to educate the public about history.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Researching and cataloging historical documents and artifacts
• Organizing and preserving archival materials
• Planning, coordinating, and conducting public educational programs and events
• Curating exhibits, both physical and digital, that showcase important historical themes or items
• Developing and updating content for the society’s website and social media platforms
• Writing or contributing to publications about historical topics or items in the collection
• Assisting scholars, researchers, and members of the public in accessing the society’s collections
• Fundraising for the society’s activities and operations
• Maintaining the society’s facilities, including possible historic buildings or sites
• Interacting with donors, including evaluating potential acquisitions and maintaining records of donations

 

Historical Society Staff Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a knowledgeable and dedicated Historical Society Staff member to join our team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting historical research, preserving historical artifacts, organizing exhibitions, and educating the public on historical facts and events.

Our ideal candidate has a passion for history, strong research skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse audience.

They should be familiar with cataloguing and preservation techniques, and be able to collaborate with other staff members on exhibitions and public events.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct and document historical research
• Preserve, catalog, and manage historical artifacts
• Organize and curate exhibitions
• Provide educational programs to the public
• Collaborate with other staff members on events and projects
• Help maintain the society’s database and website
• Write articles, papers, and reports on historical topics
• Develop and maintain relationships with other historical societies and institutions

 

Qualifications

• Degree in History, Archaeology, Museum Studies, or a related field
• Previous experience in a museum or historical society is preferred
• Strong research and writing skills
• Knowledge of cataloguing and preservation techniques
• Familiarity with database management and website maintenance
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills
• A passion for history and education

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Historical Society Staff
• Work Environment: This position is based in a historical society or museum. Some local travel may be required for research purposes.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Historical Society Director or Museum Curator.
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $60,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and any relevant work samples to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Historical Society Staff Do?

Historical Society Staff work for organizations that are dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and presenting history.

These organizations can be found across industries including education, cultural heritage, and tourism.

They research and catalog artifacts, documents, photographs, and other historical items.

These might involve transcribing old documents, scanning photographs, or documenting the details and conditions of artifacts.

They also assist in curating exhibitions, where they select, arrange, and interpret items for display.

This often includes writing descriptions and creating informational materials for visitors.

Historical Society Staff often give presentations and lead educational programs for various age groups.

This involves designing and delivering content that is engaging, informative, and accurate.

They also answer inquiries from the public, provide guided tours, and facilitate events.

This requires them to have strong communication skills and a broad knowledge of their organization’s collections.

In some cases, they might be involved in fundraising activities and grant writing, as many historical societies are nonprofit organizations that rely on donations and grants for their operations.

Overall, their job is to ensure that historical collections are preserved, interpreted, and made accessible for the education and enjoyment of the public.

 

Historical Society Staff Qualifications and Skills

A Historical Society staff member should have a range of professional qualifications and skills, including:

• Strong knowledge of historical facts, events, and trends, with the ability to conduct research on various historical topics.
• Excellent communication skills to present historical information in an engaging manner, facilitating discussions, and responding to inquiries from the public.
• Strong organizational skills to manage and catalog archival materials, artifacts, and documents efficiently.
• Attention to detail for accurate record keeping, report writing, and maintaining the integrity of historical items.
• Interpersonal skills to work effectively with volunteers, staff, donors, and the public, fostering a positive and collaborative working environment.
• Problem-solving skills to handle challenges related to research, preservation, and presentation of historical material.
• Proficiency in using various research tools and databases to locate and analyze historical data.
• Customer service skills to interact with visitors and answer their questions, ensuring they have a positive experience during their visit.
• Ability to curate exhibitions and events to engage the public and promote understanding of historical topics.

 

Historical Society Staff Experience Requirements

Candidates for Historical Society Staff roles generally need to have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in history, anthropology, or a related field.

In some cases, a degree in museum studies or public history could be beneficial.

Entry-level candidates might have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships or part-time roles in museums, archives, or historical societies.

These experiences provide them with practical knowledge in preserving, handling, and cataloging historical artifacts and documents, as well as organizing exhibitions and educational programs.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have developed their research skills and knowledge in entry-level roles such as Archive Assistant or Research Assistant.

They have likely participated in planning and executing historical projects, creating public engagement programs, or conducting historical research.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have held leadership positions in their previous roles, such as being a Museum Curator or a Project Manager for historical preservation projects.

They are expected to have a good understanding of project management, budgeting, fundraising, and public relations, and are typically ready for managerial or director-level positions in a historical society.

 

Historical Society Staff Education and Training Requirements

Historical Society Staff typically have a bachelor’s degree in history, anthropology, archaeology, or a related field.

These programs equip students with a solid foundation in research and analysis, as well as a comprehensive understanding of historical events, cultures, and societies.

A strong background in social sciences is also highly beneficial.

For more specialized roles within the Historical Society, such as curator or archivist, a master’s degree in museum studies, public history, or a similar discipline may be required.

These advanced degrees typically focus on more specific aspects such as the management and preservation of artifacts, planning and organizing exhibits, and community outreach.

Additional training in technology, such as database management or digital archiving, can also be advantageous as many historical records and documents are now stored and maintained digitally.

Voluntary certifications, such as that offered by the Academy of Certified Archivists, may also be beneficial and demonstrate a commitment to professional development.

In addition to formal education, practical experience through internships or volunteer work at museums, historical sites, or archives is also highly valued.

This provides hands-on experience in the field and the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting.

 

Historical Society Staff Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Historical Society Staff member is around $46,000 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can vary greatly depending on the specific role within the society, the level of experience, educational background, and the location of the historical society.

 

Historical Society Staff Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Historical Society Staff need?

Historical Society Staff need to have excellent research skills, attention to detail, and a passion for history.

They should also possess good communication skills to interact with visitors, members, researchers, and other staff.

Strong organizational skills are needed to handle historical artifacts, documents, and records.

Lastly, they should have good computer skills for digitizing records and using databases.

 

Do Historical Society Staff need a degree?

While not always required, many Historical Society Staff positions prefer candidates with a degree in History, Archaeology, Museum Studies or a related field.

Some positions might require advanced degrees, especially for roles that involve extensive research or curation.

 

What should you look for in a Historical Society Staff resume?

In a Historical Society Staff resume, look for degrees in relevant fields and previous experience in research or archival work.

Experience in museum or historical society environments can also be beneficial.

Skills like public speaking, event coordination, or grant writing can be bonuses, depending on the specific role.

Familiarity with digital archival systems and databases is also a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Historical Society Staff member?

A good Historical Society Staff member should have a passion for history and a keen interest in preserving and sharing historical knowledge.

They should be detail-oriented, organized, and have good research skills.

A great staff member would also have excellent interpersonal skills for interacting with the public and other staff members.

They should also be flexible and able to adapt to different tasks, as the work can be quite varied.

 

What are the daily duties of a Historical Society Staff member?

Daily duties for a Historical Society Staff member can vary greatly depending on the specific role and the needs of the society.

Tasks can range from conducting historical research, cataloging and preserving artifacts, preparing and giving educational presentations, to maintaining records, coordinating events, or assisting visitors and researchers.

They may also be involved in fundraising and community outreach efforts.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the fascinating world of being a staff member at a historical society.

Surprised?

It’s not just about dusty archives and old artifacts.

It’s about unearthing the past and bringing it to life, one historical fact at a time.

With our comprehensive historical society staff job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step into history.

But why stop your journey there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for honing precise job listings or fine-tuning your resume to historical perfection.

Remember:

Every piece of history is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s uncover that history. Together.

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