Hidden histories of exploration
In this 30 minute workshop, students will learn about the role Indigenous people played in the history of exploration. Focussing on materials from the RGS-IBG Collections, which were also used in the 2009 exhibition Hidden histories of exploration, this workshop will investigate how colonial archives highlight certain histories while obscuring others. There are two different versions of this workshop, one for students with limited archival experience, and one for students with moderate archival experience.
European explorers relied heavily on the physical labour and knowledge of Indigenous people, including in their roles as porters, pilots, guides and translators, for the success of their expeditions. Yet, this Indigenous contribution was only rarely acknowledged in published exploration accounts. In the last two decades, numerous projects have attempted to uncover the 'hidden histories' of Indigenous people using the materials in colonial archives and collections.
Workshop for students with limited archival experience
This workshop is intended for students who might have little or no experience working with historical archives or collections. The students will study panels created as part of the Hidden histories travelling exhibition, which include texts and photographs, and work with question sheets (available for download below).
In preparation for the workshop, students may want to look at the exhibition catalogue (see below), which introduces the themes of the workshop. Alternatively, the workshop leader can give a brief introduction to the exhibition (Background information, see below) (5-7 minutes). The students can then split up into smaller groups and study the panels with their question sheets (15 minutes). The session ends with a class discussion of the questions (10 minutes).
Materials available to download
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Exhibition catalogue Hidden histories of exploration (2009) (.pdf)
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Introductory information about the Hidden histories exhibition (.pdf)
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Question sheet (.pdf)
Workshop for students with moderate archival experience
This workshop takes place at the Society in London and is directed at students who have some knowledge of historical archives and collections and who might consider using them for their dissertations. The workshop is structured around a display of objects and images that were part of the Hidden histories exhibition.
In preparation for the workshop, students may want to look at the exhibition catalogue (see below), which introduces the themes of the workshop. Additional information about the items on display is also available to download below - the workshop leader may decide whether to distribute this to students or present it in form of a short introduction. The question sheets can either be handed out to students for discussion amongst smaller groups, or the workshop leader may use them to lead a discussion with the whole group.
Materials available to download
- About the RGS-IBG
Animals in the Royal Geographical Society’s archives
A Be Inspired talk by Dr Catherine Oliver. Through stories of work, companionship, conflict, and discovery, animals are rethought as important geographical actors.
- About the RGS-IBG
Critical histories of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
A reading list exploring aspects of the Society's past.
- About the RGS-IBG
Rethinking the history of early Everest expeditions
In the 1920s, the Royal Geographical Society became involved in a series of efforts to climb Mount Everest. This resource delves into some of the forgotten stories of members of the expeditions.