Historians

Conserve and preserve manuscripts, records, and other artifacts.

Gather historical data from sources such as archives, court records, diaries, news files, and photographs, as well as collect data sources such as books, pamphlets, and periodicals.

Conduct historical research as a basis for the identification, conservation, and reconstruction of historic places and materials.

Research and prepare manuscripts in support of public programming and the development of exhibits at historic sites, museums, libraries, and archives.

Present historical accounts in terms of individuals or social, ethnic, political, economic, or geographic groupings.

Organize data, and analyze and interpret its authenticity and relative significance.

Research the history of a particular country or region, or of a specific time period.

Conduct historical research, and publish or present findings and theories.

Recommend actions related to historical art, such as which items to add to a collection or which items to display in an exhibit.

Determine which topics to research, or pursue research topics specified by clients or employers.

Speak to various groups, organizations, and clubs to promote the aims and activities of historical societies.

Edit historical society publications.

Advise or consult with individuals and institutions regarding issues such as the historical authenticity of materials or the customs of a specific historical period.

Prepare publications and exhibits, or review those prepared by others, to ensure their historical accuracy.

Trace historical development in a particular field, such as social, cultural, political, or diplomatic history.

Organize information for publication and for other means of dissemination, such as use in CD-ROMs or Internet sites.

Interview people to gather information about historical events and to record oral histories.

Collect detailed information on individuals for use in biographies.

Coordinate activities of workers engaged in cataloging and filing materials.

Translate or request translation of reference materials.

Teach and conduct research in colleges, universities, museums, and other research agencies and schools.