Historical Society Staff Member Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of culture and history, the importance of Historical Society Staff Members is increasingly significant.

As we delve deeper into the past, the demand for knowledgeable individuals who can research, preserve, and share our historical legacy grows stronger.

But what does being a Historical Society Staff Member truly entail?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager formulating the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricate dynamics of historical preservation,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

Historical Society Staff Member Duties and Responsibilities

Historical Society Staff Members perform a variety of tasks related to the preservation, interpretation, and communication of information about the past.

They are primarily tasked with maintaining and expanding collections, conducting research, and engaging with the public.

The duties and responsibilities of Historical Society Staff Members often include:

• Collection, cataloguing, and preservation of historical artifacts, documents, and other materials
• Conducting research to expand understanding of historical events and periods
• Developing and implementing educational programs and exhibitions for the public
• Assisting researchers and visitors with inquiries
• Writing and publishing articles, papers, and reports on historical findings
• Keeping up to date with the latest research and developments in the field of history
• Maintaining records and databases related to the society’s collections and activities
• Engaging with the community to promote the society and its activities, including organizing public events and fundraisers
• Applying for grants and other sources of funding to support the society’s work
• Working with other historical organizations and institutions to collaborate on research projects and share resources

 

Historical Society Staff Member Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Historical Society Staff Member to join our team.

This role involves maintaining and cataloging historical documents and artifacts, assisting in the planning and execution of events and exhibitions, and providing general assistance to visitors.

The successful candidate will have a strong interest in history, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to work well with others.

A background in history, museum studies, or a related field is highly desirable.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist in the cataloging and preservation of historical documents and artifacts
• Help plan and execute historical exhibitions and events
• Provide general assistance to visitors, including answering queries and providing guided tours
• Assist in the development of educational programs and materials
• Conduct research on historical topics as required
• Participate in fundraising and membership drives
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment

 

Qualifications

• A degree in History, Museum Studies, or a related field
• Experience in a museum or historical society setting is preferred
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Proficiency in basic computer software, including Microsoft Office
• Knowledge of cataloging and preservation techniques is a plus

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Historical Society Staff Member
• Work Environment: Museum setting. Some weekend and evening work may be required for events and exhibitions.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Historical Society Director or Curator.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: Commensurate with experience.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our society. 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 and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Historical Society Staff Member Do?

Historical Society Staff Members typically work for non-profit organizations, museums, or community heritage centers.

They can also work as consultants for historical projects or heritage conservation.

They work closely with other staff members, volunteers, and the public to preserve, interpret, and promote understanding of historical resources and events.

Their job is to conduct historical research, develop and maintain collections of historical significance, and organize exhibitions or educational programs to engage the community.

They may also be responsible for maintaining records and archives, including documents, photographs, artifacts, and oral histories.

They can also provide tours and presentations to schools and other interested groups.

Historical Society Staff Members often also contribute to the writing and publication of historical materials, such as newsletters, reports, and books, to disseminate historical knowledge.

In addition, they often participate in fundraising and grant writing activities to secure resources for the organization’s operations and projects.

Whether they are involved in restoring a historic building, researching a historical event, or educating the public about the past, the Historical Society Staff Member plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting local, regional, or national history.

 

Historical Society Staff Member Qualifications and Skills

An efficient Historical Society Staff Member should possess a set of unique skills and qualifications, such as:

• A solid knowledge of history, with a particular focus on the region or period covered by the society.
• Outstanding research skills to uncover new information about historical events, figures, and artifacts.
• Interpersonal skills to interact with society members, the public, and other staff members. This also includes the ability to build relationships with donors and patrons.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively present historical information in a clear and engaging manner to a variety of audiences.
• Organizational skills to manage various projects, exhibitions, and events concurrently, ensuring all tasks are completed on schedule.
• Attention to detail, especially when handling historical documents and artifacts, to prevent damage and maintain their integrity.
• Customer service skills to deal with visitor enquiries, provide guided tours, and handle any issues or complaints that arise.
• Administrative skills for tasks such as record keeping, budgeting, and correspondence.

 

Historical Society Staff Member Experience Requirements

For entry-level positions at a historical society, candidates typically need a Bachelor’s degree in history, anthropology, archeology, or a related field, and at least 1-2 years of experience.

This could be gained through internships or volunteer work at museums, archives, or other historical institutions.

Candidates interested in curatorial positions or higher-level administrative roles often need a Master’s degree in a related field and at least 2-3 years of relevant professional experience.

This experience could be gained in roles such as Museum Technician, Archivist, or Historical Researcher.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in the field are usually considered for more senior roles within a historical society.

These roles could include positions such as Head Curator, Director of Exhibits, or Executive Director, and they often require leadership experience and a proven track record of successful project management.

Additional experience in grant writing, fundraising, public outreach, or educational programming can also be beneficial, as many historical societies rely on these activities for their operations and community engagement.

 

Historical Society Staff Member Education and Training Requirements

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

A master’s degree or Ph.D. in these fields can further improve one’s qualifications, especially for more advanced or specialist roles within the society.

They also often need a strong background in research, as they may be required to delve into historical documents, artifacts, and other materials.

Knowledge in archival management and preservation techniques can also be beneficial.

In addition, they require excellent communication skills to interact with colleagues, visitors, and sometimes the press.

Hence, courses in public speaking or experience in customer service can be advantageous.

Furthermore, they may need experience with museum databases, cataloging systems, and digital collections.

Therefore, a familiarity with these tools or certification in relevant software can be beneficial.

Continuing education in the form of workshops, seminars, or conferences is often encouraged to keep up-to-date with the latest research methods, technology, and findings in the field.

Volunteer or internship experience in a museum, historical site, or similar institution is highly valued and can provide practical on-the-job training.

Although not required, some Historical Society Staff Members may opt to seek professional certification from organizations like the American Association for State and Local History to further enhance their credibility and demonstrate their commitment to the field.

 

Historical Society Staff Member Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Historical Society Staff Member is $43,678 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may fluctuate based on the staff member’s specific role, prior experience, the location of the historical society, and the size and funding of the organization.

 

Historical Society Staff Member Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Historical Society Staff Member need?

A Historical Society Staff Member needs to have a broad knowledge of history, excellent research skills, and the ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.

They should also be detail-oriented and organized, have the ability to handle and preserve delicate artifacts, and should be comfortable using computer databases and other research tools.

 

Do Historical Society Staff Members need a degree?

Yes, most Historical Society Staff Members should have at least a Bachelor’s degree in History, Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related field.

Some positions may require a Master’s degree or other advanced education, particularly for roles involving extensive research or curation.

 

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

A good resume for a Historical Society Staff Member should include an academic background in a relevant field such as History or Anthropology, as well as experience with research, handling historical artifacts, or curating exhibitions.

Volunteering or internships at museums, archives, or historical societies is also a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Historical Society Staff Member?

A good Historical Society Staff Member should have a genuine passion for history and a curiosity to learn more.

They should have excellent attention to detail, which is crucial for handling and cataloguing artifacts, and excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.

They should also have strong interpersonal skills to interact with visitors, volunteers, and other staff members.

 

Do Historical Society Staff Members often interact with the public?

Yes, many Historical Society Staff Members interact with the public regularly.

This could include giving tours, leading workshops or lectures, answering questions, or assisting with research inquiries.

Therefore, good communication and customer service skills are important for this role.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve journeyed through the chapters of what it truly means to be a member of a Historical Society Staff.

And guess what?

It’s not just about knowing historical facts.

It’s about preserving history, one artifact or document at a time.

With our comprehensive Historical Society Staff Member job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to make your mark.

But why halt your journey here?

Take a step further with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating detailed job listings or refining your resume to ultimate precision.

Remember:

Every piece of history is a part of the grand narrative.

Let’s preserve that narrative. Together.

How to Become a Historical Society Staff Member (Complete Guide)

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