Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Historian
What historians actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a historian?
Research in the archive. From there, the day usually includes research archives, conduct oral histories, and write reports. Full-time business hours.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a historian working full time.
- Research in the archive.
- Record an oral history.
- Write exhibit text.
- Answer a research request.
- Review a historic site nomination.
- Meet museum staff.
- Edit a report.
Where historians work
Historians work in offices, archives, museums and historic sites.
Hours and schedule
Full-time business hours.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Research archives
- Conduct oral histories
- Write reports
- Develop exhibits
- Preserve records
- Answer research requests
- Present to the public
Tools you’ll use every day
- Archival databases
- Digital archives
- Recording equipment
- Word processors
- Citation managers
- Exhibit software
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Meaningful work
- Archives and stories
- Public engagement
- Varied employers
What’s hard
- Small field
- Grad degree needed
- Modest pay at nonprofits
- Competitive jobs
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love history
- I like archives
- I write well
- I like telling stories
- I’m willing to do grad school
- I like public engagement
Not sure? Take the free Historian fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Handle documents carefully
- Get oral history consent
- Protect sensitive records
- Follow site safety