07904 322728
HISTORICAL INTERPRETATIONS
Hands On History
Activity Days for Schools and Museums
I started the business back in 1992, based on my extensive collection of educational artefacts. The largest collection in the country. I use archaeology as a way of accessing history, and artefacts to bring history to life. We passionately believe that giving children the opportunity to access artefacts has never been so vital, or what we provide so important. We bring in tons of artefacts, of the highest quality, supported by expert knowledge.
This site lists our standard activity days for KS 1 and 2, but our artefact collection enables us to cover most historical topics. If you are planning something unusual, please get in contact. Over the past 33 years we have covered most topics in many different ways. We have taught history using horses, black powder and black firing weapons.
If you want to learn more leave a message via email or the website with your address, number of pupils/classes, and the topic you are interested in. We will give you a “no commitment” quote, and a draft timetable for your day. When booking we will help you explore all your various options. For example a day can be constructed from two 2 hour presentations e.g. Romans in the morning, Saxons in the afternoon.
Please do not expect an interpreter covered in fur delivering a script, acting out a simplified version of “history.” Do expect lots of boxes and baskets full of reconstructed artefacts, used by an expert to teach an entire subject in a day, making history and leaving behind historians.
When you support a small independent business, you are not just supporting a local business but a family as well. A booking is not just a number on a balance sheet but has the power to make a difference to the person, their family, and the future of the business.
You are also supporting a dream. I use archaeology as a way of accessing history, and artefacts to bring history to life. Artefacts are my passion. I started collecting at the age of 10. My life has been based around historical material culture, and there are artefacts spilling out of every room at home. We passionately believe that giving children the opportunity to access artefacts has never been so vital, or what we provide so important.
We started delivering school days in 1992 and have made our history with some of you. The ability to touch the past and connect to the ancestors never ceases to amaze.
We hope to see you all in the future.
Best wishes
John
Tel. 07904 322728
Hands On History
Established 1992
Historical Interpretations provides exciting and educational historical workshops across the UK. With expert costumed interpreters and using the largest collection of educational artefacts in the country.
We are passionate about using archaeology as a way of accessing history. John started the artefact collection back in the 1970's, and we use the artefacts to bring the past to life. Our artefacts are of museum quality, authentic, really do work, and are used by pupils in handling sessions to connect to the past.
Primarily we teach in schools, but we have given historical and craft demonstrations for Time Team, universities, Young Archaeologists Clubs, English Heritage, the Forestry Commission, local authorities, and museums including Jorvik Viking Centre, the Yorkshire Museum, Royal Armouries, the Bodleian Library, the Great North Museum, and the British Museum.
Full time professional registered for income tax
Police checked, fully insured, and risk assessed
Over 30 years teaching experience
Hands on History
John is a professional reconstructor with over 30 years of experience, and a Research Associate at the University of Kent with the research centre of Late Antique Archaeology. He set up Historical Interpretations in 1992, using his passion for archaeology as a medium to teach history in schools. The company now teaches 10,000 pupils per year in Yorkshire and Humberside using reconstructed artefacts. John enjoys reconstructing artefacts from all periods of history, understanding their construction and use. He specialises in Greek and Roman riding, especially Roman saddles and tack. You will often find him on horseback teaching horse archery.
Fully insured, risk assessed, and DBS checked
Full time professional registered for income tax
A passion for history and artefacts
Hands on Artefacts
We use archaeology as a way of accessing history, bringing massive numbers of artefacts into schools to bring the past to life.
Our collection of artefacts is of the highest quality, authentic, and they really do work. Our passion is not just in the object itself, but how it works. The artefacts are used by pupils in handling sessions to connect to the past and learn about their history.
We engage children and adults of all abilities, using hands on artefacts and activities. We have a huge collection, and these can be tailored to suit not just varying age groups and abilities, but also those with physical disabilities such as blindness. We travel to you so teaching time is maximised and there is no need to hire coaches.
Booking a Day
The interpreter comes to you for the whole day. They will aim to arrive at school around 8.00 am to allow time to set up and ensure the planned day will meet your expectations. The day finishes at 3.00 pm, to allow equipment to be cleared safely before pupils leave.
Your feedback consistently rates our artefacts as excellent and you like
Our comunication and how easy it is to book a day
The way children are highly engaged and stimulated
That we are in school for a full day, 8.00am-3.00pm
That we come to you, maximising teaching time
There is no need to hire coaches
The knowledge of our presenters
That we actually teach, interspersed with activities
That days are tailored to suit differing abilities
That children are able to handle the artefacts
The quality and range of resources we provide
Days can be tailored to suit every school’s timetable and curriculum
How much does it cost?
Quotations are based upon the number of pupils, travel costs and specific requirements. Days for several classes will work out cheaper per pupil.
Many schools loyally book us several times a year, and sometimes have history weeks. Repeat bookings get a 10% discount. Minimum charges still apply, and all bookings must be made at the same time. If you would like to make a booking either give us some preferred dates which we can reference against our diary or speak to us directly over the phone. We aim to provide “Wow Days” you can afford.
Days are a fraction of the cost of hiring a bus to visit an attraction for a few hours.
Research shows we are around 20% cheaper than other suppliers.
We can offer a History Week covering a range of topics at a reduced rate.
Days can be constructed from two half day sessions or several short presentations.
