Remember, this doesn’t have to be a school subject, it can also be a hobby or point of interest.
Examples of specific interests can range from larger periods, like the Renaissance, to specific events, like the war of 1812. Remember that this doesn’t mean you have to choose between one or the other. You can make plans to pursue all of your many interests.
Try asking teachers questions like, “I’m trying to study Colonial American history independently, do you know of any good resources?” “Do you have any good tips for studying independently?” or “How quickly do you think I’ll be able to learn this material?”
Most public libraries require a library card. If you don’t have a library card ask your librarian about the registration process. Libraries are also a quiet place where you can spend time studying.
Try looking up scholarly articles and peer-reviewed essays on online resources, like Google Scholar and JSTOR. [2] X Research source Look for period or subject specific blogs or forums online, like history subreddits on Reddit or personal blogs devoted to your area of interest. Many online resources, like universities and scholarly sites, also offer multimedia material, like recorder lectures, slideshows, and interactive websites.
Many of the Ivy League schools, like Harvard, post their syllabi on their website. Try contacting their department or searching out a specific subject. [3] X Research source
You can access the National Archives by visiting here: https://www. archives. gov/. Look online and in bookstores for books and other documents from the time period you’re studying. When using primary sources, remember to consider the author, their purpose for writing the text, and when the text was written. Try to avoid biased sources, and put the information into context as you study it.
Some museums let you tour their halls online. For example, you can tour many art museums through Google Arts and Culture.
Look into historical reenactments groups, like the American Heritage Festival, or consult online resources like Reenactor. [5] X Research source
Many travel sites and agencies, like TripAdvisor, offer comprehensive reviews of historical trips and vacations. [6] X Research source There are also many online blogs devoted to visiting historical sites around the world, like Travelthruhistory. [7] X Research source
Try looking for historical memorabilia on online vendors, like Heritage Auction or eBay. [8] X Research source
