Historians

• 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.
• 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.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Historians.

• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
• Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Historians.