Malcolm Rivera
Working in a museum can be a public history job, but it depends on the role. For example, a curator in a history museum is responsible for managing collections, planning exhibits, conducting research, and interacting with the public. This involves elements of public history, such as offering the public an opportunity to learn history in a nontraditional setting. However, other museum jobs, such as technician roles, may focus more on the technical aspects of the job like pest management and electrical installation. These roles may not constitute public history jobs as they do not directly engage with the public in the same way. Additionally, the size of the museum and its budget can determine the level of education and variety of job responsibilities required. Overall, while some museum jobs may constitute public history positions, this is not always the case, and it depends on the specific role and its responsibilities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Education | A degree in history is a good starting point for a museum job, but a more general degree in Museum Studies is more suitable for technical roles. |
| Experience | Hands-on experience is important, and internships and volunteering are great ways to get started in the field. |
| Skills | Depending on the size of the museum, employees may need to take on a range of functions or specialize in areas such as development, exhibit design, or educational programs. |
| Job Market | Museum jobs are highly competitive, and it can be challenging to land the perfect job. Networking and demonstrating how your skills fit the specific needs of a museum are crucial. |
| Career Development | Public history programs offer a range of specializations, and graduates can find diverse career paths beyond academia, including in museums, archives, and private industry. |
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What You'll Learn
Museum technician
Museum jobs are indeed considered public history jobs. Public history programs focus on the practice of history outside of university classrooms, and museum studies are considered a part of this.
A museum technician is a role advertised by museums and historical societies. The role requires a broad skill set, including knowledge of museum procedures for the care, access, use, and documentation of collections. Museum technicians also facilitate access to collections for research, exhibits, and education. They work with exhibit designers, scholars, curators, planners, and contractors in the development of exhibits.
Technicians interact with stakeholders and the public regarding the care and management of collections, advocating for the collections within the overall management and operation of the site or facility. They are responsible for producing written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience. This includes communicating information in a succinct and organized manner.
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Museum curator
A museum curator is responsible for overseeing and managing a museum's collection of artefacts and artwork. Curators acquire new objects, catalogue acquisitions, carry out background research, and keep detailed records. They also play a key role in developing exhibitions and lectures by selecting items from the collection, planning and organising displays, and writing materials for websites and publications. Curators are often involved in creating partnerships and negotiating agreements with external organisations, as well as liaising with management boards and local councils to secure the future of the museum.
The role of a museum curator can vary depending on the size of the museum. In larger museums, curators typically specialise in a specific area or collection, whereas in smaller museums, they may manage the entire collection. For example, Amy Wilson, curator at the Chemung Valley History Museum, is responsible for both artefacts and manuscripts, as well as developing exhibits and serving as the staff liaison to committees of the museum's board.
To become a museum curator, it is beneficial to have a background in history and additional fields such as exhibit design or educational programs. Many museums seek graduates of public history or museum studies programs, and it is common to start as an assistant curator or in another area of museum work before securing a curator role.
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Museum studies
Museums offer a variety of positions, and the specific responsibilities of each role can vary greatly. For example, a curator manages collections, plans exhibits, conducts research, and interacts with the public. Other roles in museums include technicians, administrators, educators, and exhibit designers. The size and budget of a museum often determine the diversity of job responsibilities, with small local museums requiring employees to perform multiple functions, while larger museums allow for greater specialisation.
Landing a job in a museum often requires diligent research and targeted applications, demonstrating how your skills and abilities match the specific needs of the museum. Volunteering and internships are excellent ways to gain hands-on experience and establish relationships with museums, which is highly valued by employers. Additionally, further education and training, such as a Master's degree in Museum Studies, can enhance your employability and provide greater specialisation.
Overall, a museum job can certainly fall under the category of public history, providing a unique and interactive way for people to engage with history. The diverse range of roles within museums offers a variety of career paths, and with the right combination of education, experience, and skills, individuals can find rewarding careers in this field.
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Public history programs
The American Historical Association (AHA) is a valuable resource for students and professionals in public history. The AHA provides guidance, information, and job listings for historians at all career stages and connects individuals with digital historians and history PhDs working in various fields. Additionally, the National Council on Public History (NCPH) offers a free job listing service, although it does not guarantee the accuracy of the listings or the business practices of employers.
When considering a career in museums, it is important to note that the size and budget of a museum can determine the level of necessary education and the diversity of job responsibilities. While a Bachelor's degree in history can be valuable for working in history museums, a more general degree in Museum Studies may be more suitable for technical positions. Pursuing graduate-level training, such as an MA or PhD in public history or museum studies, can also enhance one's qualifications and provide greater opportunities for specialization.
Overall, public history programs offer a wealth of knowledge and experience for those seeking careers in museums. By providing hands-on experience and a broad understanding of the field, these programs prepare graduates for the diverse responsibilities and specializations within the museum sector.
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Museum internships
The Brooklyn Museum, for example, offers paid internships that combine practical experience with professional development. Interns are integrated into a specific department, participating in daily tasks and projects under the guidance of full-time staff. They also attend weekly seminars that critically examine the role of museums in society, including discussions with curators, conservators, and other experts. The Met in New York City also offers internship opportunities for college and graduate students, as well as high school students, to gain professional skills and learn about museum practices across various departments.
It is worth noting that internships in museums may not always be compensated, and it is important to carefully review the requirements and expectations of each opportunity. However, they can provide a great way to build experience and make connections in the field of public history.
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Frequently asked questions
Public history jobs focus on the practice of history outside of university classrooms. It involves working with the public to offer them an opportunity to learn history in a non-traditional setting.
Museum jobs can vary depending on the size and budget of the museum. In small local museums, an employee may be asked to perform a wide range of functions, while larger museums allow for greater specialization. Museum jobs can include curator, technician, or administrative roles.
A degree in history, art history, archaeology, or museum studies can be beneficial for a museum job. Some museums may require a master's degree or additional qualifications in museum technology. Hands-on experience through internships or volunteering is also highly valued.
