Do You Know The Story?

An answer to deadline worries?

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Do you need a biographical history of your location?
Do you have a deadline to meet?
I can help your organisation meet that deadline.



WHY USE MY SERVICES?
I am a former journalist and magazine editor who uses the skills gained during my many years researching and writing features for publication. I now specialise in researching and writing historical reports and biographies.


A FOCUSED PROCESS

Although academic research is invaluable, as is the research work undertaken by volunteers, the techniques I have used as a journalist can speed up the process and keep it focused. This method ensures that the projects I work on meet the needs of my clients.


INFORMING THE PUBLIC AND STAFF

The histories I produce are published as print and digital reports aimed at informing staff, volunteers, crafts people and other contract workers. The reports can also be used to inform the visiting public and as such they can be supplied as a manuscript or as a fully designed book or brochure. In addition all images are sourced and copyright issues addressed.

Revealing The Story - An Example

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Project: Introducing Ida Copeland
Client: National Trust Trelissick House and Garden

A CREATIVE PROJECT

In 2017 the National Trust team at Trelissick House and Garden in Cornwall were engaged in a series of creative projects that aimed to enhance the experience of visitors. The organisation also planned to mount a major celebration of the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote in 1918.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF RESEARCHER
To support this project Mark Pugh, an ex-journalist was commissioned to research and write a biography of Ida Copeland, the former owner of Trelissick House, who was also one of the earliest women Members of Parliament.
NEW AND KNOWN SOURCES
The finished biography combined information from known sources with the results of new research that resolved some of the contradictions that had appeared in previously published work. The new biography highlighted the positive impact that Ida Copeland, a cousin of Florence Nightingale, had on the communities she served and on the wider world.
INTERVIEWS
The research involved using many sources, including The National Archives, The British Newspaper Archive, Parliament Online and the Women’s Library (London School of Economics). Mark also interviewed members of the Copeland family and several significant visitors or former residents at the property including a former Polish POW who now resides in Washington DC.
FROM THE BODLEIAN TO THE SIKORSKI MUSEUM
In addition, Mark solicited help from organisations including the Conservative Party Archive held at the Bodleian Library, Lotherton Hall in Leeds, the Anglo-Polish Society and the Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum.
BIOGRAPHICAL REPORT
The resulting biographical report, entitled 'Introducing Ida', is now used to inform members of staff at Trelissick and the wider National Trust about the life of Ida Copeland. It was also used as the supporting document for the series of exhibitions that took place in 2018.


TECHNIQUES

THE HERITAGE REVEALED SERVICE
    • TALKING TO STAFF, VOLUNTEERS AND OTHER RESEARCHERS

    The staff and volunteers at country estates or heritage management organisations are great resources. They often know plenty of historical stories that nobody else does.

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    USING ARCHIVES, NEWSPAPER LIBRARIES AND MORE

    Many archives are now online, but some still remain accessible on a restricted visitor-only basis. As such, I have the time to gain entry and conduct research at these locations

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    INTERVIEWING FAMILY MEMBERS AND OTHERS

    Interviewing members of a family who live or once lived at a property can reveal a great deal of history. Also former visitors can add great detail to the location's story.

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    USING ONLINE RESOURSES AND SOCIAL MEDIA

    The internet provides multiple resources to help with research. Using social media a researcher can use the opportunity to find sources able to add to the story.

    RESEARCH
    INTERVIEWS
    IMAGES
    REPORTS
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    Contact Details

    Please feel free to make contact with any queries or suggestions.

    • 01736 741376
    • 07956 901149
    • heritagerevealed@email.com
    • www.heritagerevealed.co.uk
    Created By Heritage Revealed - All Rights Reserved.
    Created By J Pugh and Associates using |