This Kapow History video introduces pupils to the role of an archivist through an engaging interview with Tom Ferber, an Engagement Learning Officer at the London Archives. Tom explains how archives store and protect important historical records—from letters and diaries to sound recordings and digital files—ensuring they remain accessible for future generations.

The discussion explores how archives function like a blend of museums and libraries, allowing people to handle rare documents and uncover hidden stories from the past. Pupils will learn about the importance of cataloging, preservation techniques, and how archives help historians, writers, and even filmmakers in their research. Tom also shares his journey into archiving, highlighting the different career paths within the field.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s History in Action series, helping pupils understand how history is preserved, researched and shared through archives in lessons like the ones below.

History, Year 4, How have children’s lives changed? Lesson 3, What were children’s jobs like in. Victorian England?

History, Year 4, How did the achievements of the ancient Maya impact their society and beyond? Lesson 4, How did the Maya reflect beliefs in their inventions?