Short answer: Yes you can, though it is certainly easier to get a job with any kind of degree than without one.

Longer answer: Historic sites, particularly structures open for interpretive tours, require a lot of people doing a lot of different things. I work at such a place and we have about a dozen departments, everything from guest services and curatorial to buildings and security. And managing all those spots are accounting and HR departments. All in all, it takes quite a few people, though the majority will be degree holding positions.

So what can you do without a degree? Most guest services positions won't require one. These are the frontline folks, everyone from ticket sales to the guides themselves. Generally anyone you see with a smiling happy face and in uniform on your visit standing around to help you, that's guest services. Not a people person? No worries! While curatorial departments will require a degree, buildings departments often won't. Everything from landscape management to custodial work will be in your buuldings department. The folks that keep the visitors center/non-historic parts of the site running, set up for special events, keep up with sanitizer stations, clean office/public spaces, maintain public spaces, etc. While emptying trashcans may not be a glorious job, doing it at Mt Vernon, Monticello, or Hermitage is a lot cooler than some jobs I've had! Trade certifications can help here. Another option is security, which often requires at least security officer certification. These guys patrol often both day and night, preserving the site while ensuring visitor safety. In total there are plenty of jobs at historic sites that don't require degrees.

Even so, work towards it. Many community colleges now offer Public Management or Interpretive courses specifically suited to preserving cultural heritage sites. The University of Indiana also offers basic courses on the subject on-line, through a continuing education format. Many historic sites don't have real staff and operate by volunteers. Even the large ones depend heavily on the generosity of them, so that's another way in. If interpreting is your thing then after spending a lot of time volunteering, or after a blend of that and course work, you can gain certification through the [National Association for Interpretation] (https://www.interpnet.com/NAI/interp/Certification/nai/_certification/NAI_Certification.aspx?hkey=0c08ac07-c574-4560-940f-82fba3a22be9) or similar organization.

More opportunity may be found at both state and federal parks which almost always have interpretive and guest service positions and are often located at heritage sites.

It all depends on where you are and what you consider "working" in history, but you absolutely can work at a place like Hermitage without a formal college degree - and I can assure you of that.