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	Finding an object
	Researching your object
	Planning an exhibition



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Researching your object

The next step is to interview anyone connected to the object. Take a tape recorder if possible, and write a list of questions before the interview. Complete the Researching your object interview sheet. For more tips on how to conduct a successful interview see the Oral History Checklist.

For those working with photographs see Photographs as a source of information.

Background research

Undertake research about the period of history with which this object connects. This Timeline may help you.

Find answers to the following questions:

Did many people come to Australia at this time?
Where did they come from?
Why did they come?
What did they do when they arrived?
Are there any links to your object's story?

Places to start your research might include:

The people you are discussing your object with, especially the owner and his/her family,
The school/local library,
The Internet,
Your teacher,
Your family,
Your friends and neighbours,
Someone of a similar age to the person who owns the object,
Someone of a similar age to the object,
Someone from the country your object is linked to.

Museum Victora's Discovery Centre can help you with general research questions and the identification of manufactured or handcrafted objects.

The State Library of Victoria may also be able to assist you with your inquiry.

Presenting the research

The stories and information could be presented in a number of forms:

group book,
poster,
web site,
oral presentation.

However, the most exciting way to present the information is to mount an exhibition.

Chinese coin