Local Tour Historian Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of experiential travel, the need for local tour historians has never been greater.

As we delve deeper into our roots and heritage, the call for knowledgeable individuals who can navigate, interpret, and protect our local history amplifies.

But let’s peel back the layers: What’s truly expected from a local tour historian?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker attempting to unravel the core of this role,
• A hiring manager piecing together the ideal candidate,
• Or simply captivated by the intricate details of local history,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable local tour historian job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Local Tour Historian Duties and Responsibilities

Local Tour Historians are passionate about sharing their expert knowledge of the history, culture, and landmarks of a specific local area.

They guide tourists and locals alike through these historical sites, providing engaging and informative narratives.

Here are the primary duties and responsibilities of a Local Tour Historian:

• Research and maintain a deep knowledge of local history, culture, and landmarks
• Plan and develop engaging tour routes and itineraries
• Conduct walking or vehicle-based tours, ensuring the safety and comfort of all participants
• Present historical, cultural, and social information in an engaging, easily digestible manner
• Respond to participant questions with accurate and comprehensive answers
• Handle logistics such as tour bookings, participant registration, and transportation arrangements
• Maintain positive relationships with local businesses and institutions to facilitate tour operations
• Update and adjust tours based on feedback, new information, or changes in local circumstances
• Engage in continuous professional development to stay current on historical research and trends in tour guiding

 

Local Tour Historian Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a knowledgeable and enthusiastic Local Tour Historian to provide engaging and informative tours of our city’s historical sites and landmarks.

The Local Tour Historian’s responsibilities include preparing well-researched tours, presenting historical, cultural, and social information in a compelling manner, and interacting with diverse groups of local residents and tourists.

Our ideal candidate has a strong passion for history, excellent public speaking skills, and the ability to engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver engaging, informative, and well-organized tours.
• Research and plan tour routes that highlight key historical sites and landmarks.
• Present historical, cultural, and social information in an entertaining and educational manner.
• Answer questions and interact with tour participants in a professional and friendly manner.
• Assist in creating promotional materials and strategies for tours.
• Keep up-to-date with new discoveries and research in local history.
• Ensure the safety and satisfaction of all tour participants.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a tour guide, historian, or relevant role.
• Excellent knowledge of local history and culture.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills.
• Ability to engage and communicate with diverse groups of people.
• Excellent customer service and problem-solving skills.
• Physical stamina and ability to conduct walking tours for several hours.
• Bachelor’s degree in History, Tourism, or related field is preferred.

 

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to share and promote local history

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Local Tour Historian
• Work Environment: Outdoors, at various historical sites and landmarks. Variable weather conditions.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Tours Manager or Director of Tours.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $30,000 minimum to $45,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• 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 Tour Historian Do?

A Local Tour Historian typically works for tourism companies, museums, historical sites, or as self-employed individuals.

They use their extensive knowledge of local history to provide guided tours to tourists and visitors, often explaining the historical significance of various landmarks, monuments, and buildings.

Their job is to engage visitors with stories, anecdotes, and facts about the historical periods and events connected to the location.

They may also answer questions and provide deeper insight into the history and culture of the area.

Local Tour Historians also conduct research to keep their knowledge up-to-date and accurate.

They often use a variety of sources, including historical texts, archives, and local lore.

They may be responsible for organizing and planning the routes of the tours, ensuring that they are both informative and enjoyable.

In addition to providing historical information, they are also tasked with ensuring the safety and comfort of their group during the tour.

Many visitors come to Local Tour Historians for their expertise and interpretation of history, making the role an integral part of the tourism industry.

 

Local Tour Historian Qualifications and Skills

A Local Tour Historian should have the skills and qualifications that fulfill the requirements of the role, such as:

• Extensive knowledge of local history, culture, architecture, and significant events to provide in-depth and engaging tours
• Excellent storytelling skills to bring the past alive and create engaging and memorable experiences for tourists
• Exceptional communication skills to effectively convey information in a clear and exciting manner, catering to different audience’s levels of understanding
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact with diverse groups of tourists, answering their queries and keeping them engaged throughout the tour
• Problem-solving skills to handle unexpected situations or issues that may arise during tours
• Physical fitness to be able to walk or stand for extended periods of time, sometimes in adverse weather conditions
• Customer service skills to ensure tourists’ satisfaction and handle complaints or concerns professionally
• Ability to plan and organize tours, managing time effectively to cover all points of interest within the allotted time frame
• Basic first-aid skills for emergency situations

 

Local Tour Historian Experience Requirements

Local Tour Historians should typically have at least 1-2 years of experience in a related field such as history, tourism, or education.

This experience might come from an internship, part-time job, or even volunteer work at museums, historical sites, or with tour companies.

Candidates with additional experience, often around 3-5 years, may have served as a guide or tour leader before, developing strong communication skills, in-depth historical knowledge, and customer service experience in these roles.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in history-related tourism often possess a high level of specialization in a particular era, region, or type of tour.

They may have also taken on leadership roles, managing other tour guides or coordinating tours at larger historical sites or museums.

Besides, a Local Tour Historian should also have a strong knowledge of local history, culture, and notable events.

This can be gained from formal education, self-study, or practical experience living or working in the area.

Having a certification from a professional tour guide association or tourism board can also be beneficial and may be required by some employers.

 

Local Tour Historian Education and Training Requirements

Local Tour Historians typically hold a bachelor’s degree in history, anthropology, archaeology, or a similar field.

During their studies, they should focus on local history and culture, as well as broader historical trends and periods.

Knowledge of architecture, art history, and local traditions can also be beneficial.

Fluency in one or more foreign languages could be a valuable asset, depending on the demographics of the tourists.

While not always a requirement, a master’s degree in history or a related field can enhance a Local Tour Historian’s understanding and interpretation of complex historical contexts and events.

Many localities and tour companies require their guides to be licensed.

The process may include passing a written or oral exam, demonstrating language proficiency, or completing a course about the local area’s history, geography, and culture.

Voluntary certification programs exist for tour guides, such as the Certified Tour Professional designation from the National Federation of Tourist Guide Associations.

This certification demonstrates a guide’s commitment to professionalism and continuing education in the field.

Finally, soft skills like excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and an engaging personality can be as important as formal education in this role, as the Local Tour Historian must bring history to life for their groups.

 

Local Tour Historian Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Local Tour Historian is around $44,692 (USD) annually.

Earnings can fluctuate depending on the number of tours, tips, the historian’s experience, and the specific location.

Some Historians may also earn more by offering private tours or specialized experiences.

 

Local Tour Historian Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Local Tour Historian need?

Local Tour Historians should possess excellent communication and storytelling skills to effectively share the historical facts and stories of a location.

They should have a deep understanding of the history and culture of the area they’re covering, along with research skills to continuously update their knowledge.

Strong interpersonal skills are essential to interact with diverse groups of tourists, and they should also be comfortable with public speaking.

 

Do Local Tour Historians need a degree?

While a degree isn’t mandatory, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in history, archaeology, art history, or a related field can be beneficial.

More than a specific degree, extensive knowledge about the local history and culture of a certain area is critical.

Some cities or historical sites may require tour guides to pass a certification exam or complete a training course to become officially recognized.

 

What should you look for in a Local Tour Historian’s resume?

When reviewing a Local Tour Historian’s resume, look for experience working with the public, such as previous roles in customer service, education, or public speaking.

Evidence of thorough knowledge of the local area’s history and culture is crucial.

Certifications or training related to tour guiding, as well as fluency in multiple languages, can also be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Local Tour Historian?

A good Local Tour Historian is passionate about their region’s history and culture, and is enthusiastic about sharing this knowledge with others.

They should be engaging and charismatic to keep tourists interested during the tour.

Being patient, reliable, and having a positive attitude are also key qualities, as they often have to deal with people from various backgrounds and age groups.

Their love for history should be contagious and inspire tourists to learn more.

 

What are the daily duties of a Local Tour Historian?

A typical day for a Local Tour Historian involves leading one or more tour groups around historical sites, explaining the historical significance of each location, and answering any questions.

They may also spend time researching to update their knowledge or preparing for upcoming tours.

Local Tour Historians may also coordinate with local businesses and other tour guides to offer a comprehensive and enjoyable experience for tourists.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the fascinating world of a local tour historian.

And guess what?

It’s not just about sharing stories.

It’s about weaving the past into the present, one historical tale at a time.

With our ready-to-use local tour historian job description template and real-world examples, you’re prepared to embark on your journey.

But why stop there?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every story told paints a part of the larger historical canvas.

Let’s explore that history. Together.

How to Become a Local Tour Historian (Complete Guide)

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