What's In My Bag? Historian Edition

Welcome back tot he History Nook.

Today we're exploring my backpack!

So grab your favourite mug, find a soft space to curl up, and let's wander a little deeper into the past.

I love "What's in My Bag" posts and videos. That may be because my inner self is a cat and therefore very nosey... but I digress. While planning a museum visit, the idea popped into my head to do a What's in My Bag – Historian Edition post, so—here we are!

The Bag Itself

I always use a backpack, and I have several so I can match them to my outfit. Backpacks are not only great for long journeys (plenty of room for snacks and a packed lunch), but I’ve also found them to be the least painful way to carry heavy things around for extended periods. Functional and fashionable? Yes please.

The Important Stuff

Tickets – E-ticket on my phone if I've booked in advance. Any travel tickets I need for the bus or train.

Purse or wallet – Because gift shops and cafés exist, and I have no willpower.

Essentials for the Curious Historian

Notebook & pens – This is usually my commonplace book. There’s nothing quite like sitting in a museum café and jotting down little notes while I give my legs time to rest.

Phone or camera – For quick photos (where allowed!) or note-taking on the go.

Museum review template – I usually have this printed and tucked into my commonplace book, but I also keep a digital copy on Google Docs.

Magnifying glass or glasses – For when I’m fully embracing my museum goblin energy.

A book or podcast for the journey – Ideally something thematic (a Viking saga en route to a Norse exhibit, perhaps?). Audiobooks are a great accessible way to read on longer trips.

Creature Comforts

Water bottle – Preferably one that won’t leak on your field notes. Most museums ask you not to bring open drinks into the galleries, so a secure lid is essential.

Snacks (and maybe a packed lunch) – Because history is hungry work.

Self-care items – Medication, accessibility aids, sensory items—anything that helps me navigate long days in potentially crowded spaces. I usually wear my sunflower lanyard, either around my neck or clipped to my backpack.

A shawl – For temperature chaos (or for dramatic exhibit-gazing poses).

A folding shopping bag – Because gift shops are my weakness, and I will leave with a bookmark, a tote bag, a plushie, at least one new book, and a mildly cursed postcard.

Planning for Access Needs

If you’re planning a museum trip and have access needs, please do keep those in mind as part of your prep. I usually check the museum’s website in advance, especially if it's a larger space. That helps me plan what I really want to see first—important if I’ve had a long journey or I’m dealing with a flare-up. Fibromyalgia is a fickle beast, so I build in rest stops where I can.

Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoyed your time in The History Nook today.

Until next time, stay curious, and keep warm.

🐾 I have inspected the backpack. I can confirm it is nap-compatible, although the snacks were disappointingly well hidden. Please bring back a crinkly museum leaflet for me. That is all. 🐾