How to Become an Historian

The best way to become an expert as far as any historical subject is to learn as much as possible. That said, here is an outline for you to follow to become an historical expert in the field of your choice.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Learning to Become an Historian

1. The first course of action is to decide upon a subject in which to become an (historical) expert. Selections may range from a geographical region with a long history, or an era within the history of a nation or the world. Also, an event, such as a war that occurred over a long period may be a consideration. Pick a subject that (personally) interests you as you are more apt to get others to share your enthusiasm for the subject matter.
2. After you have picked an historical subject, then it's time to get busy and start learning about your subject matter. The best place to start is the reference section of your public library. Start with your basic encyclopedia. Normally, as it relates to history, somewhere within the body of the text, an encyclopedia will provide an outline and an historical timeline. This may be beneficial to you when reviewing other sources. Make a copy of the timeline and outline as well as the article. Refer to the timeline to assure you are becoming familiar with all aspects of the region's or the event's history.
3. As you are reading your article make notes of significant historical events, leaders, writers, composers, and artists within the history of the region. (Should you decide upon an historical event in the history of the world or nation, then record significant turning points, leaders, and dates.)
4. Use your library search system and research books and periodicals dealing with the important individuals and events within the article of your historical subject. For instance, in the case of Finland, let's say I am reading about the country. In my reading I run across the name Jean Sibeluis of Finland who happened to be one of the world's best loved composers; in addition, I find J.T. Runeberg, regarded as Finland's national poet and Zachris Topeluis, a Finish author of historical novels and fairy tales. In regard to architecture I find the name Eliel Saarinin known for his work on the Helsinki Railway Station built in 1905-14, later winning second prize in the Chicago Tribune's International Building Competition. There are other Finnish individuals whose contributions to science, and politics on both an international and national level of which I also make note.
5. Since you are becoming an historical expert over a certain geographic region, in this case Finland, it's important that you know of significant individuals that have played a world role and national role and the contributions they have made to the world and their homeland. You can then refer to other resources regarding these important regional figures and the contributions they have made and make separate notes in regard to each of them. You may wish to create an index under the heading of your subject so you can easily access leaders, events, and evolution of trade and politics. In the case of a World Event such as a war, areas of interest in which you may wish to explore separately are notable individuals such as pilots, leaders such as generals, presidents, dictators, the parties involved in the crisis or conflict, particular battles: how they were fought and who won; reparations and period of rebuilding
6. Although history can be a complex matter, it is important to keep the subject matter as simplistic as possible. Move through your timeline, check-marking events you have researched and recording resources that assisted in investigating your area of inquiry. For instance, once you set up your index, its is merely a matter of reading about events, recording areas you find the most interesting and also recording your interpretation of the event. Record, for personal reference, all the sources wherein you gleaned information about the sub-subjects within the context of your subject. For instance, let's say my subject is World War II. I find a reference authority/periodical on battles of World War II. I then create a category entitled Battles of World War II. I place an index page at the front of my sub-subject where I may list battles. I then read about a certain battle and record my interpretation in addition to the source. I do this whether it is a standard encyclopedia or other resource. Also, within this resource, I may find further resources wherein I may gain insights about this particular battle. It is important that I view my subject from all angles. In this case, I need to view the subject from the Allies perspective as well as the Axis'. I record my findings and then can move on to other battles. Other sub-subjects within my area of expertise may be addressed in the same manner of routine.

Concluding Steps To Historical Research

7. Pick an historical subject: Time, Region or Event that Interests You.
8. Head for your local library and begin your research with the Encyclopedia. It's recommended you review the timeline, outline, and read the article.
9. Make notes of notable persons such as leaders, architects, writers, composers and significant events.
10. Create an alphabetical index of your sub-subjects or in other words the events and notable persons you have referenced. Create an index page at the front of each of your sub-subjects listing name and page number.
11. Find other sources within your library by researching your library's on-line card catalog. Ask a reference librarian should you require assistance.
12. Read about your sub-subject and record your interpretation of the article at the same time making note of the source on a separate sheet. Cross-reference your interpretation to your source, accordingly. Since this is for you, you may note see "bibliography page." Place this page behind your interpretation of the article. Don't stop there. If there is more than one source regarding your sub-subject, refer to other sources and record your interpretations and the source on the separate bibliography page placed behind your sub-subject.
13. Always keep you sub-subjects in alphabetical order: You may initially use a notebook transferring this to computer or better yet use both methods so you have the same notes in your notebook and your computer; however, always record to your notebook first even if referencing material on-line. Out of this material you may write articles in regard to certain aspects of the history wherein you are becoming an expert or about certain leaders or individuals of international and national prominence. Research the writer's markets under history as certain areas of your research may be useful to them. However, when writing an article, do not send them your interpretations. You may base your article on your research; however, write a "new" article specific to the guidelines of the publisher.
14. Out of your research, if you are particularly computer savvy, you may consider setting up a website wherein you could write about certain aspects about the subject you possess expertise.
15. Once you've gained a certain level of confidence, you may add to your vitae that you are an expert in way of the certain historical subject you've chosen. You may back up this claim with work you may have previously published, at this point, in regard to your area of expertise.

Tips & Warnings

• It is important to note, macromedia encyclopedias tend to provide much more in-depth articles than standard encyclopedias. However, standard encyclopedias normally provide fairly easy to understand timelines using illustrations in order to make the learning process more enjoyable
• The library also contains specialized indexes and abstracts. America: History and Life and Historical Abstracts are two possible resources.