Professional Historians

California Council for the Promotion of History

The California Council for the Promotion of History established the Register of Professional Historians in 1986 as a list of professional historians interested in and qualified to work as public historians (that is, historians working outside of the college and university settings).

CCPH recognized that historians and those with related training were increasingly used by government and industry to do research in support of litigation, environmental impact and cultural resources work, as well as toxic waste studies. Historians have served as expert witnesses, provided record management and archival services, and provided historic preservation and planning work. They have also contributed exhibit research and design services for businesses, museums, historic parks, and various other agencies.

Until the CCPH Register of Professional Historians was established, there was no convenient way to contact professionals with experience in these fields. The Register provides that method of contact.

How to be listed on the Register of Professional Historians

Pending action by the Board of Directors, CCPH has suspended additions to the Register of Professional Historians. CCPH may re-instate the RPH in mid-2012. We appreciate your interest in CCPH and the Register; please check back for updates.

Those wishing to be included in the CCPH Register of Professional Historians must complete an application, submit a $30 registration fee (refundable if the application is not approved), and meet the following criteria:

Agree to abide by the CCPH Standards of Professional Conduct.
Hold an advanced degree in history, such as an M.A., Ph.D., or offical A.B.D. from an accredited institution; or hold a B.A. in history or evidence of substantial practical experience (a minimum of two years).
Have designed and executed a historical study as evidenced by a M.A. thesis or Ph.D. dissertation, or a report or series of reports equivalent in scope. The report(s) must indicate substantive historical analyses based upon an explicit theoretical orientation. Purely descriptive reports are not equivalent.

Each applicant applies for a listing in the Register by areas of specialization. CCPH recognizes the following areas of specialization:

Archival Administration
Business History
Cultural Resources Management
Expert Witness Services
Family History and Genealogy
Historical Administration
Historical Archaeology
Historical Architecture
Historical Preservation
Museology
Regional and Community History

Listings in the Register reflect the registrant's skill in history and emphasis in one of the above fields. Other listings or registers may recognize skills in related specialities or disciplines, using different criteria.

Need more information? Contact the CCPH office at admin@ccphhistoryaction.org