Historian

Researches and interprets the past — from ancient civilizations to recent events.

Did you know?

In 2012, King Richard III's skeleton was found under a car park in Leicester, and DNA from living relatives confirmed it was him in 2013.

History: Piece together what happened in the past from many different sources.
Languages: Read letters and records in the language they were first written in.
Research Methods: Check whether a source is reliable by asking who wrote it and why.
Literature: Write books and articles that bring past events to life for readers.

Herodotus: Greek writer of the "Histories" in the 400s BC, often called the "Father of History".

Pick a theme, like their childhood home or school. Write five questions in time order.
Make them open questions that need more than yes or no, like "Can you describe the house you lived in?" Don't suggest the answer.
Before you start, explain what the recording is for, and that they can skip any question or stop at any time.
Ask one question at a time and listen without interrupting. Silences are fine.
Afterwards, write a short summary: the three most surprising things you learned. Keep the recording private.

Historians and archivists record, summarise and store interviews like this so that ordinary people's memories become part of history.

Also try: Write a museum label for an old object.

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