I’m History, Get me out of here is an outreach activity engaging school students with historians.
By taking part you:
Help school students learn about Black British history, from Roman Britain to the present day, through narratives that aren’t centred on slavery
Give students a well-informed and fuller understanding of British History
Showcase the amazing and often hidden stories of people like Mary Seacole, Claudia Jones, and Pablo Fanque
The activity is text-based and online; take part from any web browser with an internet connection.
Taking part is flexible, you choose to take part at a time that suits your schedule.
The format
You’ll be championing a historical figure from Black British history. You do this by creating a profile for them, sharing their story with school classes in text-based live Chats, and answering students’ follow-up questions.
“One thing that shone through in all the sessions is the curiosity of all involved, the desire to find out answers to questions, no matter how big or small.” – John Shaw, participant
Chats with classes
Chats are fast-paced and fun. They are text-based, no video or audio needed.
Chats last 40 minutes and will take place during the school day between 8.40am and 4.30pm. You can choose to take part at times that suit you over the 3 weeks.
Check your dashboard regularly to see upcoming live Chat bookings that teachers have made. ‘✔ Accept’ a booking to let students and teachers know that you’re attending. ‘X Reject’ a booking if you can’t make it. If you become available later you can always change your mind, or join a Chat spontaneously on the day.
We don’t expect you to attend every chat! Sign up to whatever you can fit into your schedule.
Time needed
I’m History is a 3-week activity running in Black History Month (October 2022).
I’m History, Get me out of here is designed to be flexible and work around your schedule, but historians should be prepared to spend a minimum amount of time on the activity:
Around 1 hour to create your profile at the beginning of the activity. You may want additional time to research your historical figure.
1 hour each week to take part in a live Chat, and answer some of the students’ follow-up questions.
You can take part more than that if you like.
Questions students ask
I’m History is a student-led activity. This means students can ask anything they like.
All questions and live Chats are moderated by our moderation team. They make sure the questions students ask are not offensive or rude. Our team is there to help throughout the activity if you have any concerns.
Equipment you need
All you need is a computer or other device with internet access. Everything is run through a web-browser, you don’t need to download any software.
Who can apply?
Anyone in a history-related role or undertaking historical research is welcome to take part.
