Man’s interest in his past has been enduring. Since centuries historians have delved into significant phases of human activity and tried to study its influences on life. Social, political, ethnic and cultural events of the past have been relived through narratives, archaeological discoveries, archival documents and historical evidences which have surfaced time and again through historical researches.
The seed of curiosity and learning is nurtured from the early school years with the study of History. Students throughout the world study history at school. While most of the learning comes from textbooks modern learning methods incorporate field trips to historical sites and visits to museums. Children are hence introduced to the countries heritage. History is thus used not only to tell students how their nation developed but also helps students to interpret national ideals and institutions.
Knowledge and interest of the past has led many students of history to pursue further study in Archaeology, Archives and Museum Science to work as curators. Archaeology is an interdisciplinary subject which draws help from Anthropology, Chemistry, Geology and Art.
Nature of Work
Historians
Modern historians are trained to gather, interpret and evaluate the records of the past in order to describe and analyse past events, institutions and people. Literary skill is essential in their work, but scientific methods are also used. Historians have diverse opportunities from teaching and research to mass communications and administrative services. A student of history studying Ancient History, Modern History, Medieval History, may pursue specialized fields of work or can go for the following careers : Archaeology, Museology, Teaching, Law, Mass communications, Numismatist, Archivist, International Relations Research, IAS, IFS, IAAS, Classical and foreign languages
Archaeologists
Archaeology is a multi-disciplinary science and an archaeologist integrates knowledge of geology, anthropology etc. Archaeologists traditionally made accidental discoveries, historical research, and area surveys generally on foot to find good sites. Modern archaeologists use aerial photography and other remote sensing methods for surveys. They look for sites with undisturbed, layered deposits of artifacts that will allow a clear chronology to be established and will give enough contextual information to reconstruct the cultural system of each layer.
Architectural relics, old monuments, inscriptions, excavation sites are all subjects of study for the Archaeologist. The study of history, identification of the time of an event, the lifestyle and relevant details all contribute to piecing together information which later becomes historical evidence. Archaeologists work to establish the relevance of such evidence. This study helps to reconstruct the events of a particular period. Specialisations are in numismatics and epigraphy. The former study old coins while the latter study inscriptions.
Archivists
Historical evidence is also found in documents. Any researching in history involves going through the relevant archives. These archives hence have to be catalogued and preserved for ready reference. Public and administrative records are maintained for reference and are kept as archival records according to historical significance and value. These are permanent records of great historical value.
These items may be historical documents, corporation records works of art, stamp collections, mineral collections, maps, movies, medical and scientific instruments, plants, animals, buildings, battle equipment etc. The collection may be of special interest to children, hobbyists, scientists, researchers, corporations, inhabitants of a specific locality, ethnic groups or of interest to public at large.
Archivists determine the historical value of the information gathered. They determine its exhibit value, form of storage (whether it be original, microfilm, microfiche, magnetic tape) where it should be exhibited. Since substantial amounts of information is preserved on tapes, basic knowledge of computer language and usage is required. Archivists serve in advisory and research capacity for scientific works, journalistic endeavours and agencies and institutions. They often specialise in discipline related to political, economic, social and military history of a period.
Numismatists
Inscriptions and coins bear testimony to the past. Rulers left these imprint of the times through inscriptions on coins. The study of these are important as evidence, since they assist in restructuring the past.
Epigraphists
This is the study of inscriptions on ancient monuments, rocks, temples, copper plates, seals, etc. An epigraphist must travel and collect information by taking ink impressions of inscriptions and then decode them for scholars. This information can be used for restructuring of the past.
Museum curators
Curators job involves an artistic and aesthetic bent of mind and administrative skills. Curators in museums organize the display of artifacts. They organize exhibitions by choosing the display items, labelling them and arranging them. Museum enrichment involves purchase of rare and new collections.
Art objects have to be identified examined, cleaned, preserved, displayed or stored. The record of each item has to be maintained where it has come from, its age conservation treatment and such details. Curators may specialize in natural history, textiles, paintings, terracotta, metals, etc. In India the work of a curator has gained importance because of the awakening of interest in preserving and popularising India’s priceless artistic treasures. This has been largely due to the expansion in tourism.
Curators while preparing for an exhibition, work with technicians, exhibit specialists, educators and others from the area to plan and prepare the form and contents of the exhibits. Curators take the help of conservation specialists and may go through substantial historical and archaeological research before putting up an exhibition. Curators are involved in courses conducted by the museum . They divide their time in meeting museum administrators, assistants and trainees.
Conservators and Restorers
Preservation of art objects, monuments has become important for reasons of conservation. With the growth in awareness of the value of ancient art, restoration has assumed a unique place. Conservator's arrest objects' decay, although restorers may seek to restore them to their original condition. Both estimate the time it will take to treat objects and the cost of treatment.
Conservators and restorers first examine objects to assess the materials used in their creation. They diagnose the causes of damage or deterioration and decide on appropriate treatment. Objects requiring conservation and restoration are paintings, wall paintings, prints, ceramics, textiles, fossils, statues, monuments, arms and armour, natural history objects, furniture, machinery, metalwork and paper items. Conservators and restorers specialise in one type of object. The work includes technical examination, documentation, cleaning, varnish removal, consolidation and repair techniques, filling, retouching, mounting, framing, storage and environmental control.
Treatment can involve undoing previous repair and restoration work. All modern treatment is designed to be reversible as far as possible. The work is very painstaking, and work on one object can take months. Careful recording of all treatment is important, both written and photographic. They also advise on the correct condition of objects, taking into account temperature, light and humidity.
