Workshop: Methods & Memory - Exploring History Through Research

This workshop will introduce participants to the fundamental principles of historical research and methodology, with a focus on how to investigate, interpret, and present the past accurately and effectively. Attendees will learn how to frame research questions, locate and evaluate primary and secondary sources, and apply analytical methods to organize and contextualize historical information. Key topics will include working with archives, conducting oral history interviews, documenting local history, and maintaining research ethics and citation standards.

Special guest speaker Gordon Bond, historian and author, will share his research process and insights from his acclaimed book Man Failure: The Story of New Jersey's Deadliest Train Wreck. Bond’s work investigates the tragic 1951 derailment of a Pennsylvania Railroad commuter train in Woodbridge, NJ—the deadliest rail disaster in New Jersey history. Through contemporary accounts, investigation transcripts, and interviews with survivors and families, Bond uncovers both the human stories and institutional failures behind the catastrophe. His presentation will illustrate how thorough, empathetic research can uncover hidden truths and preserve the memory of complex, emotional events.

This free program is open to the public and will include light refreshments and a guided site tour as part of the event. Presented in partnership with the Historical Association of Woodbridge Township and Middlesex County, the program is made possible through the generous support of the Middlesex County Division of History & Historic Preservation.

You may also like the following events from Preservation New Jersey:

• Next month, 20th September, 10:00 am, Homeowner's Guide to Historic Preservation Materials – HPC Roundtable in Cranbury
• Next month, 27th September, 10:00 am, Workshop: Making a Museum with Woodbridge History Museum in Woodbridge
• This October, 5th October, 10:00 am, PNJ on Tour - Perth Amboy Historic House Tour in Plainfield

Also check out other Workshops in Woodbridge, Arts events in Woodbridge, Literary Art events in Woodbridge.