Strengthening the History Workforce | Virtual Summit | April 13–14

Join us for a two-day summit exploring new data about the history workforce and how we can use it to create a stronger, more equitable field.

In 2025, AASLH conducted the National Survey of History Practitioners, a research effort to understand who works in the public history field, how they're paid, and how they feel about their work. After gathering nearly 4,000 responses from practitioners at museums, historical societies, historic sites, government agencies, and beyond, this data offers crucial insights into both the strengths and vulnerabilities of our field. The findings reveal significant challenges related to equity, sustainability, and career advancement, but also highlight opportunities to strengthen the profession and better support those who dedicate their lives to history.

This two-day virtual summit will bring practitioners, leaders, and stakeholders together to reflect on the survey results and chart a path forward. Through keynote discussions, thematic panels, and breakout conversations, participants will explore what the data mean for their own careers and institutions, consider strategies to address systemic challenges, and identify ways the field can work together to affect change. The summit aims to transform research into action, sparking conversations and collaborations that will help us build a stronger, more sustainable field.

Click here to learn more about this research and read our report.

This event is made possible with support from the Kentucky Historical Society, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Wisconsin Historical Society. 

Additional support was provided by the Montana Historical Society, Rhode Island Historical Society, and Utah Historical Society. 

All times Eastern.

Monday, April 13

Keynote Roundtable: The State of the Public History Workforce
Noon – 1:30 p.m.

This session will provide the foundation for the summit. First, it will feature a presentation on the key takeaways from our research. Following that, it will feature a conversation about the implications of this research and how they can be used to advance the field.

Data Overview from Kera Collective and John Garrison Marks (AASLH).

Roundtable Conversation

  • Ben Garcia, American LGBTQ+ Museum
  • Alli Schell, Your Museum Career Coach
  • Lynne Toye, New Jersey Arts & Culture Renewal Fund

Panelists will discuss questions like: What are your biggest takeaways from the report? What did you find most surprising—or concerning? How can this data be used in service of the field?

Panel Discussions

Following the keynote roundtable, five thematic panels will address each of the report's key takeaways. Each panel will include a data overview; an example from an institution already addressing a related issue; and a breakout conversation where attendees can discuss their reactions and ideas about possible solutions. 

Panel 1: Pay Equity
1:45  – 2:45 p.m.

Kara Newport of Filoli will talk about the organization's pay equity initiative. What does this data tell us about pay for public history practitioners? How do people feel about their compensation? How does compensation differ across variables like race, gender, age, and role?

Panel 2: Burnout and Dissatisfaction
3 – 4 p.m.

Rebekah Beaulieu of the Taft Museum of Art will discuss the museum's 4-day work week initiative. How do practitioners feel about their work? What do we know about who is unhappy with their work or workplace—and why? How does workplace satisfaction vary across the field?

Tuesday, April 14

Panel 3: Supporting our LGBTQ+ Colleagues
Noon – 1 p.m.

Museum consultant and exhibit designer Margaret Middleton will offer comment. What unique challenges are LGBTQ+ practitioners facing? How do the workplace experiences of LGBTQ+ practitioners differ? How can we create more inclusive workplace environments for our LGBTQ+ colleagues?

Panel 4: Race, Ethnicity, and Inclusion
1:15 – 2:15 p.m.

Brittany Bellinger of Museum Hue will discuss the HueArts Leadership Cohort. What does this data reveal about racial equity in the public history field? How do history practitioners of color experience their work?

Panel 5: Gender Equity
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Authors Anne W. Ackerson and Joan Baldwin will offer commentary and ideas. How does gender identity affect practitioners' experience with their work? How do answers to this workforce survey differ according to gender identity?

Closing Comment
3:45–4 p.m.  

John Garrison Marks, Director of AASLH's Public History Research Lab, will offer closing remarks and a preview of where this project will go in the coming year.

Updated: March 24, 2026