Introduction to document research

What can archives reveal about the past and how history is constructed?

What to expect in the onsite workshop:   

In the onsite workshop students will get the opportunity to investigate a selection of original historical documents around a theme. This session develops skills in document analysis and strengthens understanding about how history is constructed.  

The two-hour workshop is led by an experienced history educator in an inspiring learning space at The National Archives in Kew.  There will be an introduction to archives and the provenance of the document collection relating to the theme students are studying. For instance, if focusing on the Tudors, students will gain understanding about how the State Paper collection at the archives was formed. In the second hour of the workshop there will be an opportunity for learners to handle a wealth of original documents, particularly valuable for coursework or extended project qualification.  

Sessions are available on the following themes:  

• The Tudors 
• English Civil War  
• Civil Rights in the USA  
• Partition of British India  
• Apartheid in South Africa  
• Suffragettes 
• Cold War 

If there are other themes you would like to be explored you can contact us via email. We cannot guarantee we can fulfil your request.

Available as: On site workshop. Find out more about the types of session we offer.