8 Startup Ideas for History Majors
Do you love history and dream of turning that passion into a business? These eight startup ideas will show you how to use your knowledge to create something exciting—and make money while doing it!
- EDUCATIONAL CONTENT CREATION
As a content creator, you can share your love for history with people all over the world. You can make YouTube videos that explain historical events in a fun and easy way, such as breaking down why wars started.
You can monetize this startup idea in a few ways:
- Sponsorships: Promote history-themed brands or book companies.
- Host Paid Workshops: Offer online history lessons where participants pay to attend. Use your videos to promote them.
- Advertisements: Put ads on your YouTube channel or website to earn money through views and clicks.
- HISTORY WRITER
As a history writer, you can create fiction or non-fiction books, as well as graphic novels set in historical periods like World War II. You could also create blogs for museums or genealogy companies.
To make money, you can offer your writing services directly to these companies or self-publish your books on Amazon KDP. Use social media, like Facebook and LinkedIn, to promote your work.
- HISTORICAL TOUR GUIDES
Consider offering local walking tours with themes like “haunted history” or “famous battles,” highlighting landmarks and monuments. You can also create virtual tours by recording yourself explaining and showcasing these sites.
To make money, promote your business on social media and charge people for the in-person tours. Use a paid platform for virtual ones, allowing people to join from anywhere while you earn.
- CONSULTING SERVICES
A consultant gives expert advice to help people with their projects. For example, a historical consultant knows a lot about history and helps others, like filmmakers or authors, ensure the facts in their movies or books are accurate.
As a history major, here’s how to start a historical consulting company:
- Research Your Niche: Focus on areas like genealogy, historical accuracy for media, or research for museums.
- Create a Portfolio: Showcase your expertise with research projects or writing samples.
- Network and Reach Out: Connect with potential clients like filmmakers, authors, or museums through LinkedIn.
- Complete the Work: Depending on the client, you may create research reports, provide advice, or review scripts for accuracy.
- HISTORICAL EVENT PLANNING
Planning historical events can be fun if you’re creative and organized. You’ll set up props, decorations, and costumes for themes like the 1920s or Shakespeare plays.
Many people love celebrating these unique themes for parties or gatherings, and you can help bring those ideas to life.
To start an event planning business, gather costumes and decor. To keep costs low, reach out to friends or community groups to borrow items, or find rental services. Set a flat fee, and promote your events by sharing photos on social media.
- HISTORY PODCAST
A podcast is a digital audio program focused on specific topics. You can create episodes about ancient myths or history in pop culture.
If you’re on a budget, use simple equipment like your smartphone to record, and edit with free software like Audacity. You can make money through:
- Paid Partnerships: Get paid to promote book publishers or educational platforms that align with your brand.
- Exclusive Content: Host Q&A sessions or interviews on paid platforms like Patreon.
- Affiliate Marketing: Share links to products or services in your podcast. When listeners buy through those links, you earn a commission.
- LOCAL HISTORY NEWSLETTER
A newsletter is a publication, regularly sent by email to subscribers. Each email can focus on unique historical events, local landmarks, or biographies of notable residents.
To get started, use free resources like local libraries for research and Mailchimp to send your emails, while promoting on social media. To make money, pitch local businesses to sponsor your newsletter or offer a paid subscription for extra content.
- HISTORY-THEMED E-COMMERCE STORE
A history-themed e-commerce store sells products related to history, like clothes, books, and souvenirs. Here’s how to get started:
- Set Up Print-On-Demand: Use services like Printful to sell items like T-shirts or mugs, which are printed only when someone orders, so you don’t need inventory.
- Create Your Online Store: Build a simple website using platforms like Shopify to showcase and sell your products.
- Promote on Social Media: Use Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube to share your products and connect with fellow history lovers.
No matter which history-related startup you choose, the key is combining your passion for the past with creativity and modern tools. With dedication and the right strategy, your love for history can become a rewarding, profitable business.
Could you be the next Kantner Foundation college scholarship winner? If you’re a Florida high school entrepreneur, click here for details!
