Checking through the two blogs I have been following, I found a very interesting post two days ago from "Publishing the Long Civil Rights Movement." The author announced the recent creation of an e-book. The original book, Blowout! Sal Castro and the Struggle for Educational Justice, was recently published and includes numerous oral histories. Because of this feature, the creation of an e-book made perfect sense, and truly represents the way in which digitalization can enhance written history and reach a wider audience. Also, hearing these oral histories could have more of an impact for those truly wishing to experience history, rather than simply reading the words. Tone, pacing, and intensity are all characteristics of speech which can send a message or create a particular mood that can be completely lost in text. I look forward to exploring the e-book version of this text.
The other blog I have been following, "The Old, Weird America," has yet to post something new, yet I am continuing to make my way through its older posts, learning more and more about the topic, American folk music. I really enjoy the interactivity of the site, reading about a certain song, then being able to listen to it. The site also has changed its format since I have last been on the blog. With a much simpler style--white background with a simply design in the upper right hand corner--I am much less distracted and more likely to continue to read without feeling overwhelmed.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Finally starting to look like a project...
I am with complete agreement with classmate Blake--"group" and "project" and normally two words I pray not to hear in a classroom setting. The actual projects are never bad... relying on others to stay on the same page as you to complete the work has always been a completely different story, especially in high school and undergrad. But I am very excited to get started on this online exhibit with Jacquelyn, Melissa, and Christine. Everyone has been great in completing research on time and contributing thoughts and ideas to the overall project's goal. I am looking forward to a great semester working with these ladies.
Getting back into Special Collections was also a great experience. I think everyone by this point is well aware of my affinity for libraries and the experience of physically checking out a book. Going into special collections is always a special treat for me--just seeing the old bindings brings a smile to my face. I looked at numerous print images as preparatory research--blueprints, architectural renderings, and postcards from the Mary Boyer collection. This is what always draws us back to history when we begin to get bogged down with the theories and the concepts and the dates.
Yet I am a little nervous about using Omeka. The plugins are fairly self-explanatory, but I cannot envision how all of these parts are put together--the actual creation is too abstract for me to grasp at this point. Once I am more familiar with the program and actually begin to utilize it, I am sure the pieces will fall into place. But until then, I will be curious as to the time tables we have set for ourselves. Considering I am not sure how it all works, I can't possibly know how LONG it will take to complete any one section of the project.
Getting back into Special Collections was also a great experience. I think everyone by this point is well aware of my affinity for libraries and the experience of physically checking out a book. Going into special collections is always a special treat for me--just seeing the old bindings brings a smile to my face. I looked at numerous print images as preparatory research--blueprints, architectural renderings, and postcards from the Mary Boyer collection. This is what always draws us back to history when we begin to get bogged down with the theories and the concepts and the dates.
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| Tryon Street, looking south by night. Courtesy UNCC Special Collections |
Yet I am a little nervous about using Omeka. The plugins are fairly self-explanatory, but I cannot envision how all of these parts are put together--the actual creation is too abstract for me to grasp at this point. Once I am more familiar with the program and actually begin to utilize it, I am sure the pieces will fall into place. But until then, I will be curious as to the time tables we have set for ourselves. Considering I am not sure how it all works, I can't possibly know how LONG it will take to complete any one section of the project.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Horrors I know not of... Hurrican Digital Memory Bank
Having grown up in a suburb of Philadelphia, the only weather phenomena I was ever troubled with (or as a 6 year-old, delighted with), were snow-storms. Even so, the largest storm I can remember was that of 1996, when I believe we received about 3 1/2 feet of snow in one fell swoop.
Searching the archives of Hurricane Digital Memory Bank, I encountered horrific images and first-hand stories of the death and destruction brought on by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Categorized by images, stories, oral histories, video, map, and tags, HDMB offers various ways to peruse the site's collections of media.
The site hopes that by allowing those directly affected by the tragedy to share their stories, a "positive legacy" will be created, and those in the future can look back and remember not just the storm, but the people whose lives it changed forever.
In order to add a memory to the site's data bank, one has only to click, click, type.... and it's sent in. You can publish by name or anonymously. Very easy to use, very inviting to search and learn. Additionally, the color palette is calming and appropriate for the subject matter.
This site excellently gives "status" to American memory, providing it a place in the archival world right alongside academic research and communication.
Searching the archives of Hurricane Digital Memory Bank, I encountered horrific images and first-hand stories of the death and destruction brought on by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Categorized by images, stories, oral histories, video, map, and tags, HDMB offers various ways to peruse the site's collections of media.
The site hopes that by allowing those directly affected by the tragedy to share their stories, a "positive legacy" will be created, and those in the future can look back and remember not just the storm, but the people whose lives it changed forever.
In order to add a memory to the site's data bank, one has only to click, click, type.... and it's sent in. You can publish by name or anonymously. Very easy to use, very inviting to search and learn. Additionally, the color palette is calming and appropriate for the subject matter.
This site excellently gives "status" to American memory, providing it a place in the archival world right alongside academic research and communication.
Unexpected excitement: omeka plug-ins!!
After perusing Omeka's various plug-in options, I came upon an option called Neatline. This feature allows the creation of complex geographical maps that connect to timelines. By collecting various data--whether it be buildings, people, letters, or events--this plug-in provides the opportunity to plot out various features in accordance with time. The creator can model change over time, using lines, color, vectors, etc. to enable visitors to the site to interact with the material.
This plug-in will prove invaluable to our group because of our focus on Charlotte architecture. For each buildling we choose to discuss, we will be able to plot this building on our neatline map, adding the year in which is was built, remodeled, torn down, etc. While a discussion of the buildlings themselves and their influence in Charlotte's history is fascinating, being able to physically see where these buildings fit in with their surroundings will be a great addition to the overall exhibit.
Below, the example provided by Omeka shows how a website utilized Neatline to map out the Civil War Battle of Chancellorsville.
This plug-in will prove invaluable to our group because of our focus on Charlotte architecture. For each buildling we choose to discuss, we will be able to plot this building on our neatline map, adding the year in which is was built, remodeled, torn down, etc. While a discussion of the buildlings themselves and their influence in Charlotte's history is fascinating, being able to physically see where these buildings fit in with their surroundings will be a great addition to the overall exhibit.
Below, the example provided by Omeka shows how a website utilized Neatline to map out the Civil War Battle of Chancellorsville.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Insomnia, remembering America's troubled past, as well as it's weird one
Unable to sleep at an hour when graduate students are normally awake, I thought I would check in on the two blogs I have been following over the past week or so. Discussing fairly diverse topics of American history, each blog offers intriguing insights on a time before digitization.
The first blog I have been reading, entitled "Publishing the Long Civil Rights Movement," calls attention to various events of the Civil Rights movement on the anniversary of their occurrence. In the fashion of "this day in history," the blog offers a brief history of important events in the movement and includes several hyperlinks to further reading and discussion on certain areas of the story. Some dates recall momentous successes in the movement, while others--particularly the post from yesterday about the brutal murder of Emmett Till--reflect on some of the heartrending struggles of those who fought to make civil rights for all a reality.
The blog is not limited in its scope. While most tend to think of the Civil Rights movement occurring solely during the 1950s and 1960s, "Publishing the Long Civil Rights Movement," true to its name, includes events dating back to the early 20th and even early 19th century. The site itself is easily navigable and includes many links to outsides sources, categories, and news. To me, this blog has really hit home as it serves as a reminder of the tragedy and triumphs American society has faced over the past two centuries in the struggle for true civil rights for everyone. The struggle still continues for many, which is why I think blogs like this one are particularly important.
The other blog I have discovered is quite different. Entitled, "The Old, Weird America," this blog--which is not updated too frequently--utilizes the Folkways Anthology to look at American folk music through the years. The author's goal is to discuss--with links, images, and media--each song compiled by Harry Smith. The author's first post came in November, 2008, and he most recently posted on June 20, 2012 (discussing his 64th and 65th song). Clearly, the author has a long way to go. But the blog itself is super fascinating, using streaming text, music and images to stir new interest in a topic I previously knew little about. Hopefully the author will post something new soon, yet I know it will take plenty of time for me to get through his existing posts--so much to see and do!!!
Comparably, "Publishing" is much more consistent than "Old, Weird," yet they both are interesting, thought-provoking blogs--showing me once more than technology and history really do get along.
The first blog I have been reading, entitled "Publishing the Long Civil Rights Movement," calls attention to various events of the Civil Rights movement on the anniversary of their occurrence. In the fashion of "this day in history," the blog offers a brief history of important events in the movement and includes several hyperlinks to further reading and discussion on certain areas of the story. Some dates recall momentous successes in the movement, while others--particularly the post from yesterday about the brutal murder of Emmett Till--reflect on some of the heartrending struggles of those who fought to make civil rights for all a reality.
The blog is not limited in its scope. While most tend to think of the Civil Rights movement occurring solely during the 1950s and 1960s, "Publishing the Long Civil Rights Movement," true to its name, includes events dating back to the early 20th and even early 19th century. The site itself is easily navigable and includes many links to outsides sources, categories, and news. To me, this blog has really hit home as it serves as a reminder of the tragedy and triumphs American society has faced over the past two centuries in the struggle for true civil rights for everyone. The struggle still continues for many, which is why I think blogs like this one are particularly important.
The other blog I have discovered is quite different. Entitled, "The Old, Weird America," this blog--which is not updated too frequently--utilizes the Folkways Anthology to look at American folk music through the years. The author's goal is to discuss--with links, images, and media--each song compiled by Harry Smith. The author's first post came in November, 2008, and he most recently posted on June 20, 2012 (discussing his 64th and 65th song). Clearly, the author has a long way to go. But the blog itself is super fascinating, using streaming text, music and images to stir new interest in a topic I previously knew little about. Hopefully the author will post something new soon, yet I know it will take plenty of time for me to get through his existing posts--so much to see and do!!!
Comparably, "Publishing" is much more consistent than "Old, Weird," yet they both are interesting, thought-provoking blogs--showing me once more than technology and history really do get along.
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| Remembering Emmett Till |
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| Dock Boggs |
Digital History Botox for the Keystone State
Even though I was born in the Keystone State, home of this nation's very first capital, and grew up not five minutes from Washington's winter encampment at Valley Forge, I have not thought about Pennsylvania nor have I visited in quite some time. So nostalgia prompted me to plug the Pennsylvania Historical Society (www.hsp.org) into the WayBack Machine and see how things have changed and progressed for this particular institution in their digital world.
The HSP first went "online" in 2000 with a fairly usable site, which Steve Krug would be pleased to note that it does not make the user "think too hard." The main part of the page featured a special exhibit and collection, providing clearly underlined, blue-fonted links to read further about. The only problem with this is that many of the underlined, blue links are typed onto a navy blue background, making the links nearly impossible to read. Whomp. Overall, the site was well-organized but certainly lacked the refined design of its later sites.
Jumping ahead to January of 2004, and I was sorely disappointed to see a very cluttered, confusing site. While the site index was clearly labeled, again offering well-defined, underlined, blue-font links, the central area of the site was largely cluttered with banner-style links. Each link was designed differently and detracted from the overall aesthetic of the site.
By 2008, the creative design had caught up with the functionality of the site to produce a usable, aesthetically pleasing website. Each link is clearly marked, and the site has again utilized the center space for featuring an exhibit extremely well. As Krug notes, less text is more, and this holds true for the HSP page in 2008.
The website today is fairly similar to that of 2008, with minor organizational adjustments. They still play by the rules of limited graphics and colors, as stressed by Cohen and Rosenzweig. Each click is clear and easy, another step in the right direction according to Krug.
After reading chapter 2 and 4 of Cohen and Rosenzweig, I have a much better understanding of what went into the creation of such a site. While I may tend to be more critical of websites hereon out, I will for sure acknowledge the time and effort that went into many of the extremely usable and well-designed websites I use on a daily basis.
The HSP first went "online" in 2000 with a fairly usable site, which Steve Krug would be pleased to note that it does not make the user "think too hard." The main part of the page featured a special exhibit and collection, providing clearly underlined, blue-fonted links to read further about. The only problem with this is that many of the underlined, blue links are typed onto a navy blue background, making the links nearly impossible to read. Whomp. Overall, the site was well-organized but certainly lacked the refined design of its later sites.
Jumping ahead to January of 2004, and I was sorely disappointed to see a very cluttered, confusing site. While the site index was clearly labeled, again offering well-defined, underlined, blue-font links, the central area of the site was largely cluttered with banner-style links. Each link was designed differently and detracted from the overall aesthetic of the site.
By 2008, the creative design had caught up with the functionality of the site to produce a usable, aesthetically pleasing website. Each link is clearly marked, and the site has again utilized the center space for featuring an exhibit extremely well. As Krug notes, less text is more, and this holds true for the HSP page in 2008.
The website today is fairly similar to that of 2008, with minor organizational adjustments. They still play by the rules of limited graphics and colors, as stressed by Cohen and Rosenzweig. Each click is clear and easy, another step in the right direction according to Krug.
After reading chapter 2 and 4 of Cohen and Rosenzweig, I have a much better understanding of what went into the creation of such a site. While I may tend to be more critical of websites hereon out, I will for sure acknowledge the time and effort that went into many of the extremely usable and well-designed websites I use on a daily basis.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Stuck in the past, but going digital about it.
Unlike fellow classmate Tina, I WAS born in the digital age, yet have escaped (chosen to sidestep is more like it) most popular forms of digital communication. I have no iphone (the dumb phone reigns supreme in my mind), I have never tweeted or blogged before, and for long trips I'll take an atlas over gps any day. Yet here I am, enthusiastically entering the world of public history, of making the past accessible and understandable to present and future generations. To do so, I just may have to delve into the digital world every now and again.
A few months ago, I had the opportunity to create a temporary exhibit for Fort Sumter National Monument about Robert Smalls, an escaped slave who fought for the Union and then became a leading politcal figure for South Carolina during Reconstruction. The exhibit commemorated the 150th anniversary of his daring escape to freedom. While textually intriguing, the exhibit itself was fairly archaic in its design--matte board frames are not exactly cutting edge. Yet it served a purpose and the audience received the message. Unfortunately, the Park Service removed the exhibit a few weeks ago. In their book, Digital History: A Guide to Gathering, Preserving, and Presenting the Past on the Web, Cohen and Rosenzweig discuss the advantages to online exhibits, most of which are simple translations of preexisting analog displays. If I would embrace the digital world sitting right in front of me, Robert Smalls could perpetually remain in the public's eye--his story would never be placed in a closet until next year.
Even so, were Robert Smalls online, would a discussion section be the preferable method for visitors and historians alike to confer about his life and feats? Cohen and Rosenzweig remark that no, the web is not yet the primary vehicle for historical communication and debate. And I could ask why, but I think we already know the answer. Who doesn't love the smell of old books, the pride felt once you have mastered the scrolling bar on the microfilm/fiche machine, or tearing up at the chance to hold (white gloves and all) John Wesley Powell's pocketwatch from his 1869 trailblazing rafting trip through the Grand Canyon (yes, this did happen to me)?
The digital world of history is here, and here to stay. I can't argue that. The ability to connect with a wider audience, to transcend barriers of time, distance, and space, is an amazing tool that should be utilized to its fullest. Cohen and Rosenzweig have demonstrated the positive qualities of the history web while not igoring the dangers. And so a traditionalist like me, so tied to the tangibles, am finally ready to embrace this medium, and hopefully share my geeky history joy with others.
A few months ago, I had the opportunity to create a temporary exhibit for Fort Sumter National Monument about Robert Smalls, an escaped slave who fought for the Union and then became a leading politcal figure for South Carolina during Reconstruction. The exhibit commemorated the 150th anniversary of his daring escape to freedom. While textually intriguing, the exhibit itself was fairly archaic in its design--matte board frames are not exactly cutting edge. Yet it served a purpose and the audience received the message. Unfortunately, the Park Service removed the exhibit a few weeks ago. In their book, Digital History: A Guide to Gathering, Preserving, and Presenting the Past on the Web, Cohen and Rosenzweig discuss the advantages to online exhibits, most of which are simple translations of preexisting analog displays. If I would embrace the digital world sitting right in front of me, Robert Smalls could perpetually remain in the public's eye--his story would never be placed in a closet until next year.
Even so, were Robert Smalls online, would a discussion section be the preferable method for visitors and historians alike to confer about his life and feats? Cohen and Rosenzweig remark that no, the web is not yet the primary vehicle for historical communication and debate. And I could ask why, but I think we already know the answer. Who doesn't love the smell of old books, the pride felt once you have mastered the scrolling bar on the microfilm/fiche machine, or tearing up at the chance to hold (white gloves and all) John Wesley Powell's pocketwatch from his 1869 trailblazing rafting trip through the Grand Canyon (yes, this did happen to me)?
The digital world of history is here, and here to stay. I can't argue that. The ability to connect with a wider audience, to transcend barriers of time, distance, and space, is an amazing tool that should be utilized to its fullest. Cohen and Rosenzweig have demonstrated the positive qualities of the history web while not igoring the dangers. And so a traditionalist like me, so tied to the tangibles, am finally ready to embrace this medium, and hopefully share my geeky history joy with others.
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