diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..35b72cc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+# Changelog
+
+## v0.3.0-probe — 2026-03-13
+
+### Summary
+This release marks the transition from a skill-only continuity package to a
+**dual-form package**:
+- the existing `SKILL.md` remains the fallback behavior contract
+- a new **lifecycle plugin probe** is included to validate the primary runtime path
+
+### Added
+- `plugin/lifecycle-prototype.ts`
+- `references/phase2-hook-validation.md`
+- `references/scope.md`
+- `references/plugin-design.md`
+
+### Changed
+- repository direction clarified: primary long-term path is now a standard lifecycle plugin
+- ContextEngine is now documented as a future option, not the v1 default
+- README updated to describe the package as skill + lifecycle plugin probe
+- skill docs aligned to the lifecycle-plugin plan
+
+### Validated
+- Experiment A passed on multiple resident subagents (`tech_geek`, `travel_assistant` after workspace/startup-rule cleanup)
+- startup continuity injection can work without `read`
+
+### Pending
+- Experiment C (compaction-path verification) remains pending because no real compaction event was triggered in the earlier pressure test
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 5edcc07..db505b4 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -1,8 +1,12 @@
 # memory-continuity
 
-OpenClaw skill for **short-term working continuity** — so an agent can recover
-structured in-flight work state after `/new`, reset, gateway interruption,
-model fallback, or compaction.
+**Current release:** `v0.3.0-probe`
+
+OpenClaw continuity package for **short-term working continuity** — currently shipped as:
+- a **skill** (`SKILL.md`) for behavior contract / fallback recovery
+- a **lifecycle plugin probe** (`plugin/lifecycle-prototype.ts`) for validating the primary runtime path
+
+Its goal is to let an agent recover structured in-flight work state after `/new`, reset, gateway interruption, model fallback, or compaction.
 
 ## What problem does this solve?
 
@@ -24,12 +28,13 @@ That is the problem this skill solves.
 
 ## Current architecture stance
 
-This repository now treats the skill as:
-- a **behavior contract**
-- a **fallback implementation**
-- a **human-readable protocol** for structured working-state checkpoints
+This repository should now be understood as a **continuity package**, not just a standalone skill.
 
-The planned primary runtime path is a **standard lifecycle plugin** that can
+### Included forms
+- **Skill** = behavior contract / fallback implementation / human-readable protocol
+- **Lifecycle plugin probe** = current runtime experiment for the primary architecture
+
+The intended primary runtime path is a **standard lifecycle plugin** that can
 improve startup, `/new`, and compaction continuity **without consuming
 OpenClaw’s exclusive `contextEngine` slot**.
 
@@ -184,15 +189,20 @@ Strengthen the current skill version:
 - improve doctor and docs
 
 ### Phase 2
-Build a **standard lifecycle plugin** as the primary runtime path:
+Build and validate a **standard lifecycle plugin** as the primary runtime path:
 - startup recovery behavior
 - `/new` checkpointing
 - compaction-boundary checkpointing
 - end-of-run safety writes
+- hook validation in real resident subagent sessions
 
 ### Future option
 Evaluate a ContextEngine variant later only if the slot tradeoff is justified.
 
+## Release notes
+
+See `CHANGELOG.md` for the current packaged milestone history.
+
 ## License
 
 MIT