Both Healthy and on Life Support

The typical historian aesthetic may be a professor teaching classes and writing books, but the practice of history goes far beyond that. I've been encouraged by recent public interest in intellectualism and an increase in the people's interest in exploring topics and events that ignite their inquisitive fire. History organizations have an important role to play in facilitating this public discourse.

The good news is that history organizations, including museums and historic sites, are ubiquitous in the United States. Often very small little engines that can, they generate curiosity, connect people to their communities, and help us grapple with tough, but important events of the past.  

So with the help of the Association for State and Local History (AASLH), let's take a look at the state of history organizations in the U.S. 

What is the History Sector?

The 2022 National Census of History Organizations examines the scope of the history sector. Through a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), the AASLH assessed the number of history organizations throughout the country, their financial status, and their organizational structure. In an odd dichotomy, history is simultaneously both alive and well and on life support.

As part of a series of discussions examining the core issues facing historians and history organizations, John Marks, Vice President of Research and Engagement at AASLH recently provided an overview of the findings of the Census. 

The first challenge in assessing the history sector in the U.S. was determining how to define history organizations. AASLH looked for three characteristics: 1) an organization's primary or substantial mission had to be related to history. 2) Its recent IRS filings. 3) Evidence that it was actively engaged in history-related programming or mission-related activity.

They found more than 21,000 history organizations across the country. For comparison, nationwide there are 16,607 public libraries, 15,188 Starbuck's, and 13,452 McDonald's. The organizations are in almost every community and are far more abundant than any other type of museum. 

Some of these organizations have formed a distinct partnership between government and private non-profits. Increasingly, however, these types of partnerships are becoming more tenuous with increasing government interference and censorship.

Most history organizations are very small. Sixty-four percent of history non-profits generate annual revenues of less than $50,000. They are often staffed by unpaid volunteers, with only 19 percent likely to be run by a full time staff member.

All of these organizations, large or small, have a deep conviction that history has a public purpose. 

AASLH recognizes that while the parameters it uses to define history organizations is a good starting point, there are limitations. History happens in a variety of settings different from a typical museum or historic site. Left out of the census is history being done on social media or in other community spaces, like churches and cemeteries. 

AASLH also uncovered insights about how the public is engaging with history organizations. Visitors to history museums and historic sites are typically white and middle aged. And unlike other types of museums - art, science, etc. - people tend to visit a history museum or site one time. The perception exists that you learn everything you need to from one visit and there is no need to return. This suggests that people are less aware of the evolutionary nature of history. They expect art and science to evolve, but to many, history remains static. 

What's Next

We are at a critical crossroad in which we need to determine if we care enough to learn and grow and expand our knowledge. Or if we are content to let the likes of generative AI and regime propagandists do our thinking for us. If you are reading this, I know where you stand. Welcome to a community of rogue intellectuals. I will continue to hit the history notes and will try to connect you with others in history, literature, and the arts. 

Until next time...

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Additional reading:

Being a Historian: An Introduction to the Professional World of History - James M. Banner, Jr.