Local History Guide Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of community engagement, the focus on local history guides has never been more significant.

As society grows more interested in its roots, the demand for knowledgeable individuals who can narrate, enrich, and protect our local heritage escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a local history guide?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager seeking the perfect candidate,
• Or merely fascinated by the field of local history,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable local history guide job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Local History Guide Duties and Responsibilities

Local History Guides share their knowledge and passion for local history with visitors, providing a fascinating insight into the region’s past.

They are responsible for ensuring that visitors have an enjoyable, engaging and educational experience.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Researching and studying local history, including notable events, individuals, and landmarks
• Planning and leading informative and engaging tours for visitors
• Responding to visitors’ questions and providing additional information as necessary
• Ensuring the safety of the tour group at all times
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of local history and any relevant changes or discoveries
• Assisting in the creation and development of tour scripts and materials
• Coordinating with other staff members, such as museum curators or park rangers, to provide a comprehensive visitor experience
• Promoting the importance of local history and heritage conservation
• Performing administrative tasks such as booking tours, managing schedules, and recording visitor numbers

 

Local History Guide Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a knowledgeable and enthusiastic Local History Guide to educate and entertain visitors to our historical site.

The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of our local history, excellent public speaking skills, and a passion for sharing knowledge with others.

The Local History Guide will be responsible for creating engaging and informative tours, answering visitor questions, and ensuring visitor safety and satisfaction.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead engaging tours and educational programs
• Answer visitor questions about local history and the historical site
• Ensure the safety and satisfaction of all visitors
• Conduct research to expand knowledge of local history
• Maintain cleanliness and orderliness of the historical site
• Assist in the planning and execution of special events
• Collaborate with team members to improve visitor experience
• Adhere to all policies and regulations regarding historical site preservation

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a guide, preferably in a historical setting
• Deep knowledge of local history
• Excellent public speaking and customer service skills
• Ability to work well in a team
• First Aid and CPR certification is a plus
• High school diploma or equivalent
• A degree in History or a related field would be an advantage

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Local History Guide
• Work Environment: Outdoor and indoor historical site. This role may require working in various weather conditions and standing for extended periods of time.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Site Manager or Tour Coordinator.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $25,000 minimum to $35,000 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 and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Local History Guide Do?

A Local History Guide primarily works for historical sites, museums, or tour companies, sharing knowledge and intriguing stories about the local history, culture, and heritage of a specific place.

They could also operate independently, offering private tours.

Their job involves educating visitors about the historical significance of various landmarks, artifacts, or regions.

They present historical facts in an engaging manner, making the past come alive for the audience.

Local History Guides plan and organize tours, managing the itinerary to ensure that key sites are included.

They also ensure that the tour is run smoothly and safely, providing necessary assistance to the tourists.

They may be responsible for conducting research to gather accurate information and to stay updated with any recent discoveries or changes in historical interpretation.

Often, Local History Guides answer questions from tourists, encourage discussions, and may even administer quizzes or games to make the learning experience more interactive and enjoyable.

In addition, they often collaborate with other tourism professionals such as travel agencies or hotel staff, promoting local history tours to attract more tourists.

In some cases, they may even be involved in preservation efforts, advocating for the conservation of historical sites.

 

Local History Guide Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Local History Guide should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Knowledge of local history and landmarks to provide accurate and interesting information to visitors.
• Strong communication skills to effectively convey historical information to a diverse range of visitors in a clear and engaging manner.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact with visitors and answer their questions in a friendly and professional manner.
• Research skills to constantly update their knowledge base and provide the most current information about local history and landmarks.
• Physical stamina to conduct long walking tours and navigate varied terrain.
• Problem-solving skills to handle unexpected situations or emergencies during tours.
• Customer service skills to ensure the satisfaction of tour participants, addressing any complaints or issues that may arise.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends, holidays, and evenings, as many tours operate outside standard business hours.

 

Local History Guide Experience Requirements

Local History Guides typically hold a degree in history or a related field, which has provided them with a broad understanding of historical events and contexts.

Prior experience as a tour guide or in a public-facing role is often required, as these professionals need to interact effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and answer their questions clearly and confidently.

This experience can be gained through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work in museums, historical sites, or tourist information centers.

Local History Guides with more than 2 years of experience usually have a solid knowledge of the area’s history and culture, and are skilled at storytelling to engage and educate visitors.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have developed specialized knowledge in specific historical periods or topics, and might have taken on responsibilities such as training new guides, coordinating tours, or contributing to the development of new tours or educational programs.

Advanced roles might require additional qualifications, such as a master’s degree in history, museum studies, or a related field, or a certification from a recognized professional body in the tourism or museum industry.

 

Local History Guide Education and Training Requirements

Local History Guides typically have a degree in history, anthropology, archaeology, or a related field.

A degree in these subjects provides an understanding of historical events, cultural interpretations, and research methodologies.

In addition to a formal education, a comprehensive knowledge of the local history, culture, and landmarks is essential.

This can be obtained through extensive reading, attending local lectures, and by engaging with local historical societies.

There are also specialized courses and training programs available that focus on enhancing the guide’s storytelling skills, public speaking ability, and group management skills.

These are beneficial as guides need to present historical facts in an engaging and coherent manner to diverse audience groups.

Depending on the region or city, Local History Guides may need to obtain a license or certification to operate.

This generally involves passing an examination that tests the guide’s knowledge of the local area’s history and significant landmarks.

Voluntary certifications, such as the Certified Tour Professional (CTP) offered by the National Tour Association, can further enhance a guide’s credentials.

These certifications indicate the guide’s commitment to professional standards and ongoing learning.

Continued education is also important as historical interpretations can change over time.

Therefore, participating in workshops, seminars, and ongoing education classes can help guides stay updated on recent historical research and findings.

 

Local History Guide Salary Expectations

A Local History Guide can expect to earn an average salary of $32,890 (USD) per year.

However, the salary can fluctuate depending on the guide’s experience, the region in which they work, and the company or organization for which they work.

 

Local History Guide Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Local History Guide need?

A Local History Guide should have excellent communication and public speaking skills, as the job involves interacting with people and providing them with engaging information.

They should also have a deep knowledge of local history and culture.

Good research skills are crucial to gather and update information about the site or city.

In addition, interpersonal and customer service skills are important for ensuring a positive experience for the tourists.

 

Do Local History Guides need a degree?

While a degree is not necessarily required to become a Local History Guide, having a background in History, Archaeology, Anthropology, or a related field can be beneficial.

Some cities or historical sites may require guides to have a license or certification, which may involve passing a knowledge test and completing a training course.

 

What should you look for in a Local History Guide resume?

Look for a background in history or a related field, as well as experience in public speaking or customer service roles.

Any additional certifications or licenses related to tour guiding should be highlighted.

Proficiency in multiple languages can also be a significant asset for a Local History Guide, especially in areas with high international tourism.

 

What qualities make a good Local History Guide?

A good Local History Guide is enthusiastic and passionate about their local area and its history.

They should have the ability to share this passion in an engaging and educational way.

Patience and a good sense of humor can also help to create a relaxed and enjoyable tour experience.

Being reliable, punctual, and well-organized is also essential.

 

How important is local knowledge for a Local History Guide?

Local knowledge is crucial for a Local History Guide.

They should be well-versed in the history, culture, architecture, and significant events of the area they guide in.

This includes not only factual information, but also anecdotes, legends, and lesser-known facts that can make the tour more interesting and memorable.

Guides should also be able to answer any questions tourists might have, or at least know where to find the answers.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve journeyed together through the exciting role of a Local History Guide.

And guess what?

It’s not just about memorizing dates and facts.

It’s about bringing the past to life, one historical tale at a time.

With our reliable Local History Guide job description template and authentic examples, you’re ready to embark on your new adventure.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating meticulously detailed job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every piece of history is part of a larger narrative.

Let’s explore that narrative. Together.

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