Personal Historian Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving world of storytelling, the role of Personal Historians has never been more crucial.

As society becomes increasingly interested in personal narratives and shared histories, the demand for skilled individuals who can carefully craft, enrich, and preserve our personal histories grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a Personal Historian?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager looking to outline the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricate process of personal history preservation,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we reveal a customizable Personal Historian job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive straight into it.

Personal Historian Duties and Responsibilities

Personal Historians are professionals who assist individuals or organizations in preserving their personal or historical stories in a tangible form.

They conduct research and interviews, and compile the gathered information into books, articles, documentaries, or other formats.

Their primary duties and responsibilities include:

• Conducting in-depth interviews with clients to gather personal and family histories
• Researching historical documents, public records, and other sources to corroborate or supplement personal narratives
• Organizing and preserving photos, letters, documents, and other personal items that are part of the client’s history
• Writing and editing personal or family histories into compelling narratives
• Collaborating with graphic designers, printers, and publishers to produce physical or digital products
• Producing oral histories, memoirs, or autobiographies based on the client’s memories and experiences
• Creating documentaries or presentations for special events, lectures, or family gatherings
• Securing copyright permissions and addressing issues related to privacy and confidentiality
• Marketing and selling personal history products and services to potential clients

 

Personal Historian Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and empathetic Personal Historian to help individuals document their life stories.

The Personal Historian’s responsibilities include conducting interviews, researching background information, and producing compelling written or audiovisual narratives.

The ideal candidate should have strong storytelling skills, excellent research abilities, and a genuine interest in personal narratives and history.

Ultimately, the role of the Personal Historian is to accurately and sensitively chronicle a person’s life, preserving their stories for future generations.

 

Responsibilities

• Conducting thorough and respectful interviews with clients
• Researching relevant historical, societal, and personal background information
• Writing engaging and accurate narratives of individuals’ life stories
• Producing audiovisual materials, if necessary
• Editing and revising narratives based on client feedback
• Maintaining strict confidentiality of all client information
• Collaborating with clients to ensure the final product accurately reflects their vision and voice
• Keeping detailed records of all research and interviews

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a historian, journalist, biographer, or similar role
• Strong storytelling skills, both verbally and in writing
• Excellent research and fact-checking abilities
• Ability to handle sensitive information with the highest degree of integrity and confidentiality
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Empathy and sensitivity towards clients’ experiences
• Proficiency with audiovisual equipment and software, if required
• Bachelor’s degree in History, Journalism, English, or a related field

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Personal Historian
• Work Environment: Mostly remote, with some travel required for interviews and research.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Personal Histories.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $75,000 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 writing sample, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Personal Historian Do?

A Personal Historian is a professional who assists individuals, families, and organizations in preserving their unique stories, memories, and experiences in a variety of formats.

They usually conduct personal interviews to gather information about their clients’ past and present life events, experiences, and reflections.

This can involve a significant amount of research, including reviewing personal documents, photos, letters, and other materials that may contribute to the individual’s story.

Their main task is to create a comprehensive narrative of an individual’s life, which may be written as a memoir or biography, recorded as an oral history, or even produced as a video or digital project.

Personal Historians may also be involved in organizing and preserving family archives, which can include digitizing photos, letters, and other memorabilia.

They work closely with their clients to ensure that the final product accurately represents the individual’s life story and is meaningful to them and their family.

The personal historian is responsible for maintaining privacy and confidentiality throughout the process.

In some cases, Personal Historians can also assist organizations in documenting their history and legacy, through interviews with key personnel, research into company archives, and creation of a compelling narrative about the organization’s journey and impact.

 

Personal Historian Qualifications and Skills

A proficient personal historian should have the skills and qualifications that align with the job description, such as:

• Exceptional research skills to collect and interpret historical data, documents, photographs and other materials related to an individual or family’s history.
• Strong writing and editing skills to produce narratives that are engaging, well-structured, and accurate to the historical facts.
• Interviewing skills to effectively gather personal stories, anecdotes, and detailed information from clients and other sources.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to develop a trusting relationship with clients, ensuring they feel comfortable sharing personal details.
• Organizational and time management skills to work on multiple projects concurrently and deliver results within agreed timelines.
• Problem-solving skills to effectively deal with challenges that may arise in the course of researching, documenting, and presenting personal histories.
• Knowledge of genealogical research methods and resources to accurately trace family lineages and uncover ancestry information.
• Proficiency in using digital tools and software for data collection, organization, and presentation.
• An understanding of ethical guidelines and privacy laws to handle sensitive information with discretion and integrity.

 

Personal Historian Experience Requirements

Personal Historians generally need a background in fields like History, Journalism, English, Genealogy, or a related area.

This would typically involve a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, in one of these subjects.

Experience in research, writing, and interviewing skills are vital for this role.

Many Personal Historians gain practical experience through internships or jobs that involve archival research, oral history projects, or journalism.

Personal Historians often start their careers in entry-level positions such as research assistants, reporters, or writers.

These roles provide the opportunity to hone research, interviewing, and writing skills that are essential for this profession.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience may have developed a portfolio of work demonstrating their ability to successfully capture and present personal histories.

They may have also gained experience in using various audio and video equipment and editing software to document and present personal histories.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have developed advanced skills in project management and client relationship building.

They may be equipped to handle larger, more complex personal history projects, and may be ready for roles that involve managing a team of historians or researchers.

In addition, a Personal Historian should ideally have a passion for storytelling and history, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and a high degree of empathy and sensitivity.

These softer skills can be developed and enhanced through various work and life experiences.

 

Personal Historian Education and Training Requirements

Personal Historians typically have a bachelor’s degree in history, anthropology, journalism, or a related field.

Their course of study often includes coursework in research methodology, oral history techniques, and archival management, providing them with a solid foundation in collecting and documenting personal histories.

Personal Historians also require strong skills in communication, writing, and interviewing to effectively capture and articulate individuals’ life stories.

In addition to their formal education, some Personal Historians may choose to obtain certification through the Association of Personal Historians, which further attests to their competence and professional integrity in this field.

While not mandatory, pursuing a master’s degree in public history, oral history, or another closely related field can enhance a Personal Historian’s expertise and credibility.

Continuing education in the form of workshops, seminars, or additional courses on topics like genealogy, memoir writing, and digital archiving can also be beneficial for those in this role.

As this profession often requires working with diverse populations, having a background or training in psychology, social work, or counseling can be a valuable asset.

Above all, a passion for storytelling, history, and helping others share their unique stories is vital for success in this role.

 

Personal Historian Salary Expectations

A Personal Historian earns an average salary of $58,400 (USD) per year.

The actual income can vary based on experience, educational background, geographic location, and the specific nature of the work conducted.

 

Personal Historian Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Personal Historian need?

Personal Historians need excellent research and investigative skills, as they often need to dive deep into the past to uncover accurate information.

They must be skilled at conducting interviews, and hence require exceptional listening and communication skills.

A high degree of organization is also essential, as they manage multiple projects, timelines, and sources of information.

The ability to write and present historical facts in a compelling and engaging manner is also important.

 

Do Personal Historians need a degree?

Personal Historians don’t necessarily need a degree, but a background in history, journalism, or related fields can be beneficial.

Some may choose to earn a certification from the Association of Personal Historians to gain credibility in the field.

As the role often involves dealing with sensitive information, a Personal Historian must demonstrate high levels of integrity and discretion.

 

What should you look for in a Personal Historian resume?

When looking at a Personal Historian resume, focus on their past experiences in researching, writing, and interviewing.

Look for experience in genealogical research or work that demonstrates a talent for storytelling.

A degree or certification in a relevant field can add value, but is not always necessary.

Evidence of strong interpersonal skills, discretion, and a respect for confidentiality are also important.

 

What qualities make a good Personal Historian?

A good Personal Historian is naturally curious and has a passion for uncovering the past.

They are patient and empathetic, able to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds to collect their stories.

They have strong communication skills, able to present historical facts in an engaging and accessible way.

A good Personal Historian is also professional, respectful, and maintains confidentiality.

 

What are the daily duties of a Personal Historian?

The daily tasks of a Personal Historian may vary based on the specific project they are working on.

However, common duties include conducting interviews with individuals or families, researching historical documents or records, organizing and analyzing information, and writing or presenting findings.

They might also spend time marketing their services, meeting with potential clients, and managing their business if they work independently.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve dived into the meaningful world of a personal historian.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about writing down memories.

It’s about weaving together the threads of the past, one personal history at a time.

With our handy personal historian job description template and practical examples, you’re all set to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Embark further on your career journey with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating finely detailed job listings or perfecting your resume.

Remember:

Every personal history is a chapter of the grand human narrative.

Let’s write history. Together.