I too hold a PhD in history (received in the 1980s) and expected to land on my feet 
in a nice liberal arts college in the Midwest.  Most graduate programs at that time
did not provide guidance for what was then considered to be "alternative" careers in 
history.  I found myself working as a historian at a living history museum, which I 
initially intended to do for only a year or two while searching for that elusive 
academic position.  Eight years later, I departed the museum for an urban research 
center here at IUPUI in Indianapolis.  I then entered into historical administration 
in the mid '90s, becoming executive director of the National Council on Public History.  
In leading this organization, I have become more familiar with the trials and tribulations 
of fellow PhD historians who are finding the academic job market quite tight and who are 
looking to public history positions (i.e. museums, historical societies, national parks, 
businesses, etc.) for jobs.  

There are many museums and historical institutions who would look favorably on a PhD.  But,
I wholeheartedly agree with Pamela Feltus who noted earlier that you really have to demonstrate 
your willingness and ability to work outside the Ivory Tower.  Public historians need to be able 
to bridge between the academy and their diverse publics/audiences.  So, if you are applying for
a position in a museum, don't rely on the traditional c.v. with pages of articles, book reviews,
scholarly papers, etc. -- but the practical, applied experience is important.  Have you worked
with curriculum development or teachers training?  worked on an exhibit team?  Those practical
skills are valuable to a museum or other public history institution.  

If anyone wishes to discuss opportunities in public history off list, feel free to contact me
directly.

Best wishes and good luck in your search!

David

________________________________________________
David G. Vanderstel, Ph.D.
Executive Director
National Council on Public History
c/o Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
425 University Boulevard - Cavanaugh 327
Indianapolis, Indiana   46202-5140

phone:   317.274.2718
fax:        317.278.5230
email:    [log in to unmask]
web:      www.ncph.org


  

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Pamela Feltus
Sent: Monday, May 17, 2004 9:47 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: trying to get back into museum work after graduating with
PhD


Perhaps your experience wasn't what the museum was looking for? Maybe your
cover letters did not have the type of information that some of our helpful
colleagues have recommended including- what I can do for you, not why I want
this job.

I have in the past worked with PhDs in the museum field. And like all other
groups of people they are mixed bags. There have been good ones, but the bad
ones have been spectacularly awful. As a result, I don't consider education
(PhD or MA) a replacement for real experience- not even for a curatorial
position. A person needs to show not only do they have the academic skills,
but they also must have the real world savvy, judgment and teamwork skills
to handle the modern museum world. No one gets locked away in a dark room
for 6 months to do their work anymore (well, maybe registrars sometime).

Don't rest on the PhD. You will have extra work to prove you aren't Ivory
Tower. Get out, volunteer, work in the trenches, show you have what it takes
to work in a museum. And more importantly, get experience so you can learn
what you really want to do. Not very many people can handle all the various
positions you listed (much less want to handle them all), especially when
they first get started. Figure out what type of museum work you want to do
and focus there. Spend time honing your resume to speak to potential
employers.

And good luck!

Pamela

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Loretta Lorance [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Saturday, May 15, 2004 11:41 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: trying to get back into museum work after graduating with PhD
>
> I've been following the entry level discussion and decided to ask for
> advice about my situation. I'm an architectural historian with a new PhD
> in
> art history. While taking classes I worked in a museum in different
> departments and for a private collector. However, I was, like many
> graduate
> students, nudged toward teaching. I have volunteered a bit at museums, but
> not regularly, more as time and other commitments have permitted.
>
> As I was completing my degree there were a couple of jobs that interested
> me, director of historic house, education director, registrar (although
> I'm
> a bit rusty on this, not up to date on computer programs but am a quick
> learner) and usually I didn't even get an acknowledgement of my
> application. I felt that the people on the receiving end might have been
> bothered, perhaps intimidated, by the level of my education. It doesn't
> bother nor impress me to have a PhD, it's something I wanted and
> accomplished and am now ready to move to the next stage of my live.
> Furthermore, I'm not a snooty person (I don't expect to be called Dr.). I
> don't want an entry level position and don't mind volunteering if I have a
> source of income.
>
> I've applied for a couple of teaching positions and would also considered
> applying for museum work in education, curator, director, administrator,
> registrar, etc. Given the job market both in higher education and museums,
> can anyone offer advice about how to apply or get an interview with the
> PhD
> red flag. I guess I don't have to put it on my business resume, unlike the
> resume I use to apply for teaching jobs. Thanks for any advice.
>
> Loretta Lorance, PhD
> [log in to unmask]
>
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