What do historians do?

A professional historian is a formally trained individual who can critically assess evidence and events of the past and place them into a broader political, economic and social context.

As professional historians, we work with a variety of partners and stakeholders across a range of mediums and subject areas. Our historical methods and skillsets complement the work of other professionals such as archivists, archaeologists, anthropologists, architects, planners, business strategists, marketers and lawyers.   

Our accredited members adhere to a code of professional practice that demands high standards of professionalism, integrity and scholarship. It provides standards by which we conduct our relationships with colleagues, clients, and the wider community. 

Professional historians can:

• research and write a book commissioned by an organisation, often for an anniversary or special event

• update and revise an existing history book

• research and write short-term projects on specific subject matters for podcasts, websites, exhibitions, heritage booklets, walking trail guides, promotional material, film and radio presentations

• prepare and collect oral histories and visual materials

• work as heritage practitioners advising on the cultural and historical value of buildings by conducting a heritage survey or an individual heritage study, manage heritage conservation and other projects

• provide companies, organisations, institutions with a diversity of professional outputs across a wide range of mediums: from film and documentary work, graphic novels, podcasts and digital education projects, to tourism and travel, where we craft creative content and experiential narratives for public engagement.

• locate evidence and produce historical analysis about specific business and industrial subjects. We can unearth rich histories of particular brands and products as well as expand the scope to broader fields and industries. Our clients have used the more focused historical projects to underpin their brand development, reshape purpose statements and guide their communications strategies, both for staff and the public.

• verify and validate any AI content being produced by stakeholders. AI is an increasingly popular tool and skilled historians bring a crucial critical overview to the work being produced; we can help counteract the risks that come with AI engagement.

• undertake research on a legal matter and, for a court case, present an evaluation or provide advice on a historical matter

• implement records management and archival practices; for example, establishing and organising an archive, or advising on records appraisal and disposal

• work in museums, local councils, cultural institutions or universities.

A recorded history provides you with:

• a tangible way of both preserving and sharing the story of your business, company, charity, church, school, union, community group, local or regional council, government department, family or local area

• commemoration of a specific event or anniversary

• a clearer understanding of the role and culture of your organisation

• planning for future organisational goals

• a marketing and fundraising product

• a contribution to a better understanding of our society and our world.

Producing an accurate, thorough and lively history is time-consuming and complex. Compiling history is a specialised activity that requires sound historical skills and knowledge combined with an appreciation of how to present information. An historian can help you choose and achieve an appropriate format based on the material you have available, adapt it to meet your requirements, and keep the project within the budget.

Some organisations and individuals find it helpful to engage a professional historian to assist in designing the project from the outset, while others will require a professional historian for just a small part of their project.

Before engaging a historian, think about what information is already available. This can be:

• written records, photographs or recordings

• contacts with people of interest or knowledge of other sources of information

• the provision of equipment, office space and administrative assistance.

Don’t worry if you don’t have much, historians are very adept at finding information. That’s their job!

A project brief for a historian includes many of the same criteria for any other professional service. Try and provide some or all of the following information:

 1. Background

• Provide some background to the proposed project.

• Provide a brief history of the organisation.

 2. Aims of the project

• What are the commissioning organisation’s goals in commissioning this project?

• Who is the intended audience?

 3. Scope of the project

• What format will the history take? For example a book, report, exhibition, collection of oral histories or reminiscences, website or digital history?

• The proposed length of the publication if applicable.

 4. Project tasks or components

• What will the historical focus of the project be? For example, is it to be a social or economic history, a chronological or thematic history, or a narrative? Will it focus on a particular era, event or person?

• What archival or other sources should be consulted? Are any of these readily available?

• Will the project require consultation with local community groups, historical societies or individuals?

• Will there be a recorded oral history component? If so, do you have a number or a choice of people in mind?

 5. Timeline

• Is there a deadline for completion of the project?

• Do you have a proposed starting date?

 6. Budget (see below)

• Provide an outline of the budget for the project.

 7. Expressions of interest

• Provide details of the contact person within the organisation for further information.

• Outline the information candidates should provide in their application. For example, a CV, a budget costing, a tender, examples of previous work, etc.

• Address for submission of applications (electronic/hard copy).

• Closing date for applications.

The cost of employing a professional historian will depend on the scope of the history you decide to commission. Like other professionals, historians expect appropriate remuneration for their services. 

 The budget should include:

• the historian's professional fees,

• fees for any research assistance,

• a research allowance (for example, for scanning and copying or obtaining photographs)

• the cost of any travel or associated expenses.

• the expenditure on the finished product, including:

  • any printing and associated publication costs

  • fees for the use of images

  • editing and/or proofreading

  • indexing

  • marketing fees for a publication

  • the fee to employ a web developer

  • copying and distribution costs for heritage assessment reports and documents

  • and any additional fees for presenting evidence in court cases.

See the recommended scale of fees and associated user guide on the Professional Historians Australia website for details.

Once you have prepared a project brief you can send it to our Employment representative. They can give you advice about finding historians to partner with, as well as suggesting useful resources to facilitate your project’s development.

We advertise new work to members on a fortnightly basis in our History Opportunities newsletter. Please fill in our Job Enquiry Form if you want your project included. 

You can also visit our Find a Historian page to search specifically for members with the skills and expertise that align with your requirements.

 The terms and structure of a contract are at the historian’s discretion. However, a model contract is available for guidance.

Yes, you can. Contact our Employment representative for advice on:

• employing an historian for a commissioned history, exhibition, oral history, significance and museum work, or heritage work, including advice regarding copyright and contract provisions

• preparing and checking the project brief

• different types of publications, formats or presentations of history that will suit a range of purposes and budgets

• publishing a history project

• estimates of the probable length of time required for research and writing.

• The Professional Historians Australia Scale of Fees and estimates of the probable costs of employing an historian

  These services come at no cost to you. If you require a greater level of involvement from the Association, PHA (Vic & Tas) is happy to be involved in personal meetings, interview and/or steering panels on a consultancy basis.

For more information or for any enquiries, please contact us.