* Open-mindedness. Historians must be willing to consider different perspectives and interpretations of the past, even if they don't agree with them.
* Analytical skills. Historians need to be able to critically analyze evidence and draw conclusions based on that evidence.
* Writing skills. Historians need to be able to communicate their findings effectively in writing, both for academic and general audiences.
* Research skills. Historians must be able to conduct research in primary and secondary sources.
* Patience. Historical research can be slow and painstaking. Historians must be patient and persistent in their pursuit of knowledge.
* Imagination. Historians must be able to use their imagination to reconstruct the past and to understand the experiences of people who lived in different times and places.
* Empathy. Historians need to be able to empathize with people from different cultures and backgrounds, even if they don't agree with their views.
* Love of reading. Historians must love to read, both fiction and nonfiction.
* Strong memory. Historians need to have a strong memory for facts and details.