Hidden Histories: Planning Examples

It’s important to be clear from the outset what you are going to produce: If you do not already have a specific plan already, such as a blog article, short film or display. You might like to look through some of the examples below for ideas and inspiration!

This page provides examples of each format listed. Tips for producing them can be found on the create page.

Keep in mind that your project doesn’t have to fit into just one of these categories. Many of these formats feed into each other, overlap, or can be used to complement each other. These are just here as a guide.

Writing

There are many types of written projects that you could produce. Written projects are one of the clearest and simplest ways to share information.

Equally, you might like to take a bit more artistic license with your writing. Creative non-fiction is a popular mode of storytelling and allows you to use literary techniques to tell true stories.

Blog Blogs are a popular online method of sharing content. You have a lot of freedom with how formal you wish to make it, and what angle to approach your project from. WCIA Voices Blog – Over 100 Wales for Peace blog pieces Martin Johnes – Blog of a Welsh historian The Rare Welsh Bit – Travel and food blog	Feature Article Feature articles discuss a particular topic in depth. If you have a specific destination in mind for your article, you may want to check the conventions of the specific publication before you start. The History of Wales Magazine – Various historical feature articles Welsh Peacemakers – Feature articles exploring the histories of Welsh peacemakers
News Article Similar to a feature article but slightly less flashy, a news article focuses on the facts. Cambrian News – An Aberystwyth-based newspaper BBC News Wales – The Welsh section of BBC news	Study Essay Whether it’s for a qualification or just for your own interest, a study essay is an effective way to explore a topic in depth. Don’t forget to check which referencing system to use with your education provider. Academic Essay Writing Guide – UCAS
Literature Review If you want to examine existing material on a topic, you can produce a review of what’s out there. Example Literature Reviews – produced by University of West Florida A Guide To Literature Reviews – University of Edinburgh	Script Scripts can lead to plays, films and even podcasts. Famously, Shakespeare took historical events to create many of his plays. Even if you don’t already have a team of actors, your script could be picked up and performed. Shakespeare’s History Plays – Information about Shakespeare’s plays informed by historical events Best Historical Plays – A list of plays based on real events
Short story Short stories can be an entertaining way to tell a snapshot of history. You can collect these together in an anthology, either on your own or as a group. New Welsh Review – Short stories in a Welsh literary magazine	Poetry Poetry is a flexible genre that comes in many different forms. These can also be assembled into a collection. Poetry Wales – The national poetry magazine of Wales

Art

Art has been a way of telling stories throughout history, all the way back to cave paintings.

Photography Whether you’re using a flashy camera or your phone, photos are a valuable historical resource. You can show these off in a portfolio, or in a display. Historic Images of Wales’ Temple of Peace – Wales for Peace Flickr	Music While this can be an intimidating format to approach, it’s also one that can stick in the mind of your audience really well. The Monarchs Song – Horrible Histories on YouTube
3D Art You can use any materials to create 3D art representing your event. Sculptures, pottery and papercraft are all popular examples. Wave/Weeping Window – Art installation (pictured above)	2D Art Whether it’s pen, pencil, paint or collage, you can find any art style to suit your skillset. Narrative Art – Tate Museum
Poster Posters are an eye-catching and decorative way of displaying information. Poster Gallery – Flickr gallery of posters through the years

Digital

In the digital age that we live in, there are many opportunities to share information. You may want to consider which platform your project is destined for before you start, as this may dictate the conventions you need to follow. You can find examples of platforms on the share page.

A good place to start is a storyboard or script. When recording for a project, you can end up with many different clips, so going in with a clear plan can help you stay organised. You can use our template to create a storyboard.

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Digital story There are many methods of digital storytelling, but perhaps the most basic is a slideshow. Temple of Peace Then and Now – WCIA on YouTube	Vlog As the name suggests, a vlog is essentially a blog in video form. Fighting for Peace Exhibition Vlog – WCIA on YouTube Walking Pembrokeshire – Walking vlog on YouTube
Short film A short film can be as short as seconds long, depending on the purpose. You can find out more about the different platforms on the share page. The Last Welsh War of Independence – YouTube Welsh Hats or Het Gymreig – TikTok	Podcast Podcasts have risen in popularity recently. An audio file that can be streamed or downloaded, you can produce it as an individual or a group. Welsh History Podcast The British History Podcast
Animation If you have the software required, computer-generated animation is a popular and entertaining way to tell a story. Even if you don’t, stop-animation can be produced frame by frame. Welsh History Animation – YouTube	Infographic These are incredibly sharable images that summarise a topic very succinctly. Thistle Topics – An example of an infographic Instagram account Peacemakers Timeline – A timeline of peace in Wales
Website If you have a lot of material, you may want to put together a whole website, either on your own or collaboratively. Wales.com – A website about Wales

Events and Attractions

An event can be an effective way to engage an audience with your story.

Play or theatrical performance This pairs well with the ‘script’ section above. There have been many popular plays and musicals based on historical events. Six The Musical – A musical about the wives of Henry VIII	Exhibition If you can find a place to display it, an exhibition can explore a specific topic in depth. Temple80 Exhibition Gallery – A WCIA exhibition
Lecture You could put together a lecture to share your findings. This can then be delivered in person or shared online. Suffragette Militancy – Aberystwyth University on YouTube The Death of Harold Godwinson – Aberystwyth University on YouTube	Workshop Another way to share your findings in an interactive way is a workshop. Historic Workshops – A company that provides historical workshops to schools
Peace Trail There are multiple peace trails throughout Wales that explore stories while giving visitors an entertaining day out. Peace Trails Gallery – Flickr gallery	Peace Garden Another attraction you could produce is a peace garden. Peace Garden Gallery – Flickr gallery

Once you’ve worked out what format you want your project to take, you can continue planning!