Historian; part-time Planning and Permitting Division - Frederick

Non‑exempt; part‑time position; up to 20 hours per week;
Monday‑Friday; varied hours; no benefits. This position is responsible for conducting in‑depth historical research on African American life in Frederick County from the 1700s through the early 1970s, identifying significant themes, patterns, and landmarks. The role involves evaluating the architectural and cultural significance of these resources and developing a formal historic context study that includes narrative histories, mapped data, and an annotated list of potential heritage sites.

The position requires integrating oral histories and coordinating with community stakeholders and State partners to ensure research accuracy and compliance with Maryland Historical Trust standards. The primary focus of this role is to preserve and highlight African American heritage through detailed documentation, interpretation, and strategic preservation planning. Supervision is received by Director of Planning.

• Conduct comprehensive research on African American history in Frederick County, focusing on the period from the 1700s through the early 1970s, to uncover significant events, figures, and cultural developments that shaped the local community
• Analyze historical records to identify key trends, recurring patterns, and major themes that define the African American experience in Frederick County across multiple generations and time periods
• Identify significant sites and structures that embody African American history in Frederick County, with a focus on those retaining a high degree of historical integrity from their period of significance and warranting additional documentation, recordation, or preservation efforts
• Develop a comprehensive framework for assessing the architectural, historical, and cultural significance of African American heritage resources, ensuring consistency with professional preservation standards and cultural context
• Utilize the research findings and resource identification to develop a context study on the history of African Americans in Frederick County that includes:
  • Introduction to the historic context which discusses methodology utilized; area of coverage for the study; and the difficulties in documenting African American historic resources and history;
  • Historical overview of African Americans in Frederick County;
  • Themes related to the history of African Americans in Frederick County;
  • List of potential properties to be documented with future Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties (MIHP) forms and those properties determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places including those that have been discussed or researched in the previous sections of the study, with significance, previous designations, corresponding theme, and building/property type identified;
  • Graphics such as maps, photographs, etc. to illustrate the context and associated themes and property types; and
  • Bibliography of sources used
• Integrate oral histories gathered by the Division into the historic context study, ensuring these narratives meaningfully enhance the understanding of African American heritage in Frederick County
• Work with community and State partners to ensure the research and context study are conducted appropriately and meet Maryland Historical Trust requirements
• Perform other duties as assigned

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed above, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Master's degree
• Minimum 1 year of historic research projects work experience
• Minimum 1 year of historic context statements or studies work…