What is a Historian?

[L Verge]

(01-10-2019 08:32 PM)Eva Elisabeth Wrote:  Wiki, too, has an answer to this thread:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historian
Laurie - in Germany, other than most professions/titles, "historian" isn't a title protected by law, i.e. everyone can entitle him/herself a historian (professional) without any qualification.

Eva - I certainly agree with that last statement. In fact, it is the basis for what prompted me to pose this question. In earning a paycheck, I have dealt with quite a few folks who consider themselves historians -- even among my counterparts at other museums. I don't give most that much credit.

Personally, I never refer to myself as a historian -- I sign letters as "Museum Director," and I otherwise tell people I'm a "used history teacher," because that is what I was trained to be and would still like to be...