A gap in the historical record should remain a gap

A damaged extract may reveal an action but not its date. State the limited conclusion it supports and identify what remains unknown, resisting the temptation to complete a smoother story with invented information.

Mark missing information visibly and limit the conclusion accordingly. An attractive complete story is less accurate than an honest account of documentary gaps.

Mark the missing detail visibly

A missing date prevents a precise sequence claim.

Identify readable information. Mark gaps. State a limited conclusion.

What remains unresolved? Use gap markers.

Do not fill documentary gaps with invented facts.

Resources

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

Further reading

• National Museum of Australia — Digital Classroom

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