Public History Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

The Public Historian is responsible for bringing the history of Osceola County and Central Florida to life for visitors, students, residents, and community groups. This position combines historical research, public interpretation, educational programming, and visitor engagement.

The Public Historian will lead group tours and school field trips, develop and deliver educational programs, assist with exhibitions and historical interpretation, and serve as a public-facing representative of Osceola History throughout the community. The ideal candidate is an engaging storyteller who can translate historical research into meaningful experiences for audiences of different ages and backgrounds. This is a part-time opportunity with an option to move to full-time when necessary.

Public Interpretation & Tours

• Lead engaging tours of Osceola History facilities, exhibits, and historic sites for school groups, adults, community organizations, and other visitors.

• Develop tour content and interpretive approaches appropriate for different audiences and age groups.

• Interpret local history through objects, documents, historic places, exhibits, and storytelling.

• Represent Osceola History at community events and, when appropriate, assist with historical interpretation throughout Osceola County.

Education & Programming

• Develop, coordinate, and deliver educational programs for students, families, adults, and community groups.

• Lead and support school field trips, including preparation, facilitation, and post-visit evaluation.

• Create hands-on and inquiry-based learning experiences that connect visitors to local history.

• Work with teachers and community partners to identify educational needs and opportunities.

• Assist with special events, lectures, workshops, living-history programs, and other public programs.

Research & Historical Interpretation

• Conduct historical research using primary and secondary sources to support programs, exhibits, tours, and public interpretation.

• Assist with the development and revision of exhibits, interpretive materials, signage, publications, and digital content.

• Identify opportunities to expand and improve the interpretation of Osceola County's diverse historical stories.

• Maintain accurate historical information and provide appropriate documentation for interpretive content.

Community Engagement

• Develop relationships with schools, educators, civic organizations, cultural institutions, and community partners.

• Serve as a knowledgeable and approachable representative of Osceola History.

• Identify opportunities for Osceola History to participate in or contribute to broader community conversations about local history and historic preservation.

• Bachelor's degree in History, Education, Museum Studies, Communications, or a related field preferred , but relevant education and experience will be considered.

• Demonstrated interest in and knowledge of local, Florida, or American history.

• Experience working with the public, students, visitors, or community groups preferred.

• Strong communication and public-speaking skills, with the ability to make historical topics engaging and accessible to a variety of audiences.

• Strong writing, research, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to develop and deliver engaging educational programs and presentations.

• Comfortable working with children, families, adults, volunteers, and community partners.

• Ability to work independently, manage multiple responsibilities, and collaborate effectively with a small team.

• Willingness to learn about the history of Osceola County and continually expand knowledge of the organization's collections, sites, exhibits, and programs.

• Experience in a museum, historic site, classroom, educational program, tourism, or related setting is helpful but not required.

Success in this position means creating experiences that help people understand, connect with, and care about the history of Osceola County. The Public History Coordinator should be equally comfortable leading a fourth-grade field trip, giving a community tour, researching a historical question, developing a new program, or representing Osceola History at a community event.

Osceola History is committed to collecting, preserving, and sharing the history of Osceola County and connecting our community with its past.