History Club

I have been the founder and Secretary of a History club in my school named the 'Strawberry Fields Historical Society'.

Aim:

· To arouse in the students an interest towards history and related fields.

· To provide an opportunity for students to engage with each other in meaningful and fruitful discussions.

· To provide a more hands-on experience to history which goes beyond books.

· To enhance the historical knowledge of the students.

Activities:

· General historical discussions: These would involve an open discussion in which all members can express their opinions and thoughts on exciting topics which will be changing weekly. All viewpoints and opinions will be tolerated to create a healthy environment for a productive and educational discussion. New topics will be voted on by members.

· Guest Speakers: We may invite professional historians or experts to give a lecture. It can be either online or we maybe invite someone locally from Panjab University.

· Book reviewing and book borrowing: On a weekly basis, we will discuss a historical book that a member is currently reading or has read. Members can also request each other to borrow books.

· Language Learning: Although not directly related to history, often people who are interested in history are also interested in learning new languages and scripts. Members can volunteer to take a class and teach fellow members. I myself can teach the Urdu language if the members are interested in it.

· Restoration of Historical artifacts: If a member has a historical artifact they wish to share with the club, they may bring it to school and we may attempt to restore it by cleaning it. This will be a learning experience for the members as they will get to see history first hand.

Above is an old dagger that I restored with simple household items such as sandpaper and metal polish. The restoration of course does not have to be limited to weapons but to any artifact of interest to the members and which they’re willing to share. The students will enjoy a more hands on approach to history.

Numismatics: The study of coins, also known as numismatics is another field many history enthusiasts enjoy. Coins are an important historical source and therefore are of immense educational value. Members will be encouraged to bring parts of their collection so that the entire club can have an educational and interactive session. If anyone wants the legend on their coins to be deciphered, they may bring it to school and the members may examine it.

· Field trips: Lastly, if the school permits it, we could organize a one-day trip to a close by historical site in Chandigarh itself or in the states of Haryana and Punjab. This would encourage the members to learn about the local area’s history as well as expose them to the history surrounding those sites.

Below are some pictures from the club's sessions. In this session we are examining Ancient and Medieval Indian coins.