A local-history question should have a likely route to evidence

When did this listed public building open is narrow enough to guide a records search. Check the available museum or library catalogue first, then adjust the question if the accessible material cannot answer it.

Choose a feature. Form a bounded question. Identify likely records.

Find the likely record before expanding the topic

Check that an accessible record is likely to answer the question. A narrow inquiry can still reveal gaps that need another source.

Asking when a listed public building opened is more answerable than its whole history.

Search results need source checking.

Which record could answer it? Offer question starters.

Resources

• Interview Someone Special — Adapt the interview prompts with voluntary participation and agreed permissions.

Further reading

• National Museum of Australia — Digital Classroom

Read next

• A gap in the historical record should remain a gap
• Original pattern-making does not need a borrowed cultural label
• Language sharing should be volunteered, not assigned

Explore Respectful cultural and historical inquiry. Browse all teaching articles.