Procedure – Creating a HeritageObject (HO)

This page explains how to create a HeritageObject.

A HeritageObject is the central historical or conceptual entity under study.

Examples:

building
document
person-related artifact
equipment
archive register
architectural element

HeritageObjects anchor all research meaning.

When to create a HeritageObject

Create a HeritageObject whenever:

something is studied or described in the research
multiple files refer to the same thing
you need a stable conceptual reference

Rule of thumb:

If you can write a paragraph about it, it is probably a HeritageObject.

Step-by-step workflow

Step 1 – Create the page

Open:

Special:FormEdit/HeritageObject

Step 2 – Fill basic information

Complete:

Title
Type
Description
Dates (if known)

Step 3 – Structure (optional)

If this object is part of a larger object:

Use "Parent object".

Examples:

Ward → parent: Hospital
Door → parent: Facade
Register page → parent: Register

This creates conceptual hierarchy.

Step 4 – Link DigitalAssets

Under "Digital assets":

Select all DigitalAssets that represent this object.

Examples:

scan
photo
OCR
drawing

This connects interpretation to meaning.

Step 5 – Add people and organisations

Add:

Persons with roles (creator, restorer, author, etc.)
Organisations with roles (owner, operator, etc.)

Roles describe involvement.

They belong to the relationship, not the person itself.

Step 6 – Add holders (if applicable)

Add current holders:

responsible person
managing organisation

Holders describe present responsibility only, not historical ownership.

Step 7 – Link research chapters

Assign the object to one or more ResearchChapters.

This determines where the object is discussed in the narrative structure.

Step 8 – Add keywords

Add tags to help discovery.

Step 9 – Save

Done.

Good practices

✓ one clear concept per HO page ✓ write meaningful descriptions ✓ use hierarchy for structure ✓ link all relevant DigitalAssets ✓ use roles consistently

Avoid:

✗ mixing multiple unrelated concepts in one HO ✗ storing files directly on the HO page ✗ creating HOs only for storage purposes