Growing up, I was discouraged from going to college for history because finding a job in my field would be near impossible. But that was before the internet, and now everyone who loves history and the long hours of research can create content and products to sell.
This list covers online gigs for history lovers. There are other gigs, including offline gigs, that I will cover in a later article.
1. Niche Blogging
Blogging remains one of the strongest side hustles for history lovers. You can build an audience, build authority on your subject, and gain sponsors to fund your history hobby.
Niche blogging is when you choose a finite topic, one that excites you, and you begin researching and writing about it. Examples of history niches include trench warfare, Victorian-era fashion, and North American cave art.
There are numerous videos and articles online about setting up a WordPress blog and how to write different style blog posts. So, do some research, set up your site, and begin posting.
When blogging, don’t expect to make a ton of money right away. Blogging is a long hustle, and it can take anywhere from 6 months to two years before your blog starts bringing in a livable income.
Consistent bloggers who provide their readers with valuable content can make anywhere from $200 to over $2,000 a month.
2. YouTube Videos
There are many history channels on Youtube, and each one has its niche and flavor. You can create narrated history documentaries on your computer or take out your phone and talk directly to your audience about your subject.
YouTube channels have the potential to start earning money sooner than a blog, but when you tie the two together, your earnings can double.
Small, monetized channels can earn $200 to over $4,000 a month.
3. Hobbies and Crafts
If you are crafty and are interested in selling history-themed items, take a look around Etsy. There you will find other artists selling history-inspired artwork and products, and if they can do it, so can you.
Depending on what you are selling, you can earn $200 or more each month.
4. Professional Reviewer
In the early 2000s, I worked as a children’s book reviewer. I began by reviewing children’s books borrowed from the library. The reviews were published on my website. After I had reviewed several books, I reached out to publishers and requested media copies of books.
During this time, I earned about $100 to $200 a month from the website, but I also got hundreds of “free” children’s books.
The same can be done by reviewing books in your niche.
Sites that pay for book reviews include BookBrowse, Booklist Online, and Kirkus Reviews.
5. Create Classes for Homeschooled Children
Thanks to the virus-that-shall-not-be-named, more and more parents are turning to homeschooling. They are also seeking fresh, educational content for their children on a wide variety of topics.
This is where you come in. You can offer up online classes in your niche and even create an educational website for parents to download course materials to use with their students.
How much you make from this side hustle depends on what materials you create and how you present those materials to students.
All five of these side hustles can be tied in together, creating a mini-empire on your chosen history niche.
