Methods and Procedures for Investigating Local History

The Five Steps of the Historical Method for Local Research

The study of past stories or the investigation of the history of various entities—such as personal history, school history, community history, or local history—requires a systematic approach to ensure accuracy, clarity, and reliability. This structured process is known as the Historical Method, which consists of five specific steps. The first step involves defining a topic, followed by the collection of evidence. The third step requires the verification of that evidence, while the fourth step involves the interpretation of the data collected. Finally, the fifth step is the synthesis and presentation of the information. By applying these methods, students can effectively investigate the background of their own localities in a professional and accurate manner.

Step 1: Defining the Topic of Interest

In the initial stage of local historical research, the researcher must determine a specific topic of interest and define the scope of the study. This is often achieved by formulating broad questions to guide the investigation. Examples of such questions include asking when people first settled in the locality or inquiring about the characteristics of the lifestyle and living conditions of the local population throughout history. Researchers might also explore what specific cultures, traditions, and important landmarks exist within the area. Other lines of inquiry include investigating the origins of the names of important local sites, identifying key local figures and their significant contributions, or examining major events that have had a lasting impact on the way of life for people in the community.

Step 2: Gathering and Categorizing Evidence

Once a topic has been defined, the next step is to gather relevant evidence to find answers to the established questions. Sources of local information are diverse; for instance, the Sam Chuk Market, also known as the $100$-year market located in Sam Chuk District, Suphan Buri Province, serves as a prime example of a local data source where physical information can be collected. Historical evidence used to study local history is generally categorized into two main types: primary and secondary sources.

Primary sources are contemporary with the person or event being studied. Examples of primary sources regarding local history include ancient archaeological sites, ancient artifacts, and contemporary architecture such as historic buildings or traditional houses. Old photographs, significant local locations, and everyday items or utensils used by people in the past also qualify as primary evidence. Secondary sources, on the other hand, are materials created after the events took place, often relying on oral accounts or data derived from primary sources. These include books, articles, memoirs written long after the fact, and monuments constructed as memorials after an event. Local histories are often compiled into books by government agencies or independent authors, making the research process more convenient. Examples of such books include titles like Malaya Pattani, Muay Chaiya, Chiang Mai Parithat, and stories regarding ruined pagodas in the South. Additionally, local legends or oral traditions passed down through generations—such as the Urangkhathat legend regarding the history of Phra That Phanom, the Chammathewivong legend about the founding of Hariphunchai, or the legend of Phraya Gong and Phraya Phan concerning the construction of Phra Pathom Chedi—serve as important sources.

Classifying Evidence by Format and Era

Beyond the primary and secondary distinction, historical evidence is also classified based on whether it is written or non-written. Written evidence includes books, stone inscriptions (charuek), newspapers, and royal chronicles (phongsawadan). Various books authored about different localities fall into this category. Non-written evidence encompasses ancient sites, artifacts, local tools and household items, buildings, photographs, and significant landmarks.

Furthermore, evidence can be divided according to historical periods. Pre-historic evidence dates back to a time before writing existed. This type of evidence includes ancient human skeletons, colored cave paintings found on cave walls and cliffs—such as those at Pha Taem in Ubon Ratchathani Province—stone weapons, pottery, and bronze tools and ornaments like the axes, spears, and jewelry found at the Ban Chiang archaeological site in Udon Thani Province. In contrast, Historic Period evidence comes from times when writing was already in use. This includes stone inscriptions found throughout Thailand, official records, chronicles, photographs, and even audio recordings of events.

Step 3: Verification of Evidence

The verification of evidence is the process of analyzing and evaluating the credibility and accuracy of the gathered materials. Researchers must determine how much weight to give each piece of evidence. For instance, data obtained from an individual who was an actual eyewitness to an event is generally considered more reliable than information from someone who was not present. In the case of archaeological evidence, it must undergo scientific and academic verification to prove that it truly originated from the time period under study.

Step 4: Interpretation of Data

Information interpretation involves organizing the data found in the evidence into key themes and selecting the most reliable and accurate points. The researcher evaluates which pieces of information have the most significant impact on the event or the specific issue being studied. This step is crucial for answering the initial research questions using logic, reason, and proper evidentiary references. It allows the researcher to distinguish between conflicting accounts and form a coherent understanding of the past.

Step 5: Presentation of Information

The final stage is the presentation of the investigated and verified stories to address the original questions or doubts. This can be done in various formats, such as writing an essay, organizing an exhibition, or giving an oral presentation. The use of simple, easy-to-understand language is encouraged, ensuring that the narrative is continuous and engaging. A well-organized presentation, such as a school or community exhibition, provides value and meaning to the historical work, making the information accessible to others.

The Distinction Between Truth and Fact

When studying history, it is essential to understand the difference between "truth" (khwam ching) and "fact/interpretation" (kho thet ching). Truth refers to actual events or incidents that occurred and can be proven or verified to exist. Examples include the reality that the Ban Chiang community was inhabited in the past, that people lived on the land that is now Thailand before the current era, or that King Ramkhamhaeng the Great invented the Thai script.

Facts or interpretations, however, are the explanations or analyses of why and how those events happened. These explanations may involve multiple viewpoints and can differ from one researcher to another. Facts are dependent on the available evidence; if new evidence is discovered or if existing evidence is reinterpreted through a different lens, the "facts" or explanations regarding historical truths can change. Therefore, historical study is an ongoing process of gathering explanations to summarize and approach the ultimate truth of the past.