Ask 100 professional historians to define
Public History, and you are sure to receive 100 different answers. The Public History field is diverse and encompasses professionals
working in a variety of positions. Professional historians work as historical consultants, museum professionals, government
historians, archivists, oral historians, cultural resource managers, curators, film and media producers, historical interpreters,
historic preservationists, policy advisers, local historians, community activists, and in many other capacities. Although
focused beyond the traditional classroom, Public History is rooted in scholarship and most practitioners consider themselves
historians with specialized training. Although there are differences in their training and professional emphasis, all Public
Historians share a commitment to creating new histories, expanding old ones, and making them visible, relevant, and useful
in the public sphere.
No matter your historical interest or
skill set, there is a place for you within the vibrant Public History community in California.