SHARING YOUR STORIES AND RESEARCH

Part of the satisfaction of researching an historical topic is sharing it when it is finally done. It takes a lot of work to develop, analyze, write, and present your final analysis and product, so why not have fun with it? Below are ideas for sharing your research and knowledge with others, and suggestions on other ways you can make a historical contribution to your town. These activities could be developed for your personal curiosity, a classroom project, a family reunion, or for the community. Think of other creative ways you can share the interesting local histories. Email Creative History with your ideas so they can be added to the list!

• Liven up a school research paper with copies of photos, illustrations, maps, and documents. Ask a librarian about how you can use the library's collections. • Write a research paper about how accurately or inaccurately history is presented in mainstream movies. • Develop a short play on an historical event and perform it in class or for the community. • Create a history website that involves the entire class. Check out Students as Historians at History Matters or the projects presented at Primary Research for inspiration. • Write an article in your school or local newspaper. • Develop a visual classroom presentation with slides or models. • Create a group or individual tombstone transcription project. • Volunteer with a group to repair broken tombstones in an old cemetery. • Write an article in your community or organization paper/newsletter. • Write and illustrate a family history to share at your family reunion. Maybe make a film of the reunion and make CDs for “thank you” gifts. • Interview a family member or someone in a retirement home about a time in their life. • Volunteer as a guide at a house museum. • Volunteer to transcribe or compile documents at your local history library or genealogical society. • Develop a historical presentation or tour in conjunction with a community festival. • Give a lecture with slideshow at your local history library or genealogical society. • Write and present a walking tour to friends and family. • Volunteer at a living history museum as a re-enactor or interpreter.