This week’s readings are addressing the way history is preserved in new media, specifically digital collections. Digital media is now another form of preserving and presenting history. The articles address the challenges and benefits of digital collections and history. There is an apparent argument for the importance of digital collections within archives. As well as understanding the way in which they are presented to users; as this presentation can change or alter initial use intentions. As this has been discussed, during our trips, the articles are concerned with the wave digital media has and will continue to take on in archival work.
Cohen discusses historical records and digital media (the future of preserving the past). He is pro digital collections when it comes to oral histories, as such as those from Pearl Harbor and 9/11. This proves very useful in collection personal memories that would other wise are lost with time. Cohen is more concerned with the quality, rather than quantity of the digital collection. He argues that because of the condition of most of the archival collections, we should be more concerned with digitizing the more recent or current collections.
Brennan and Kelly also discuss the future of historical records. Like Cohen, they discuss the collection of images and oral histories. They mainly focus on the process for creating digital collections. This process involving, collection content, technical issues, attracting visitors/contributors to the website/building user trust, and appropriate healing timing of those most affected (p. 4). They argue the importance of the process and including people/potential users during the process.
Brown discusses the history of multimedia and argues the affects (good and bad) it has had on various projects. His argument is mainly that the results of past digital media projects in archives should be used as examples and progression points to better assess evaluate and use multimedia. He is apparently not for digital media. This has been determined by his involvement in digital collection projects. He deemed that digital media decides what information a user can explore and access. In addition, the way the information is provided determines the outlook of the information, thus limiting users. For example, the arrangement of artifacts and images may adjust the user’s purpose for the information.
History and New media is about history being stored using digital collections. The problems as well as benefits are great and must be considered for each collection. Digital media is about access more than anything, so, as an information professional who is all about intellectually growing through accessing information…I’m all for the increase in knowledge. I think the real collection(s) should continue to be protected at its appropriate house.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Week 13: History & Hollywood
I have always had an interest in cinema that portrays historical events or specific time periods. This week’s readings definitely help to peak that interest. The many readings covered various ways in which cinema chooses to capture and present history. The question that is continuously ever present in the readings is one of whether or not historical cinema changes the viewer’s points of view about the historical events that are being portrayed.
This question may have been created and debated in the way the film is created. While, the producers are working mainly on creative license, they may need to more so consider the facts of the event and/or time period. Better yet, hire a historian for accuracy purposes. But, I even question that because if it goes against the producer’s and/or director’s vision, they may not want the facts. Thus, they will seek out a historian who feels or desires to convey a similar view point. The various authors argue that the viewer’s point of view does not change based on the cinema’s portrayal of an event or time period. Historical cinema has the power to possibly open dialogue about a time and get people to discuss a specific time period, as discussed in the Davis and Toplin readings. If this discussion happens, more than likely the viewers will not change their views of the presented historical events as made evident in this week’s readings.
I find this to be a valid argument because of the many historical films I have seen I have not allowed the sway my view point of the historical events portrayed. However, the view point portrayed has made me desire to do some digging and research. Nevertheless, everyone does not do this and most people take the film for truth because of trust in cinema.
This question may have been created and debated in the way the film is created. While, the producers are working mainly on creative license, they may need to more so consider the facts of the event and/or time period. Better yet, hire a historian for accuracy purposes. But, I even question that because if it goes against the producer’s and/or director’s vision, they may not want the facts. Thus, they will seek out a historian who feels or desires to convey a similar view point. The various authors argue that the viewer’s point of view does not change based on the cinema’s portrayal of an event or time period. Historical cinema has the power to possibly open dialogue about a time and get people to discuss a specific time period, as discussed in the Davis and Toplin readings. If this discussion happens, more than likely the viewers will not change their views of the presented historical events as made evident in this week’s readings.
I find this to be a valid argument because of the many historical films I have seen I have not allowed the sway my view point of the historical events portrayed. However, the view point portrayed has made me desire to do some digging and research. Nevertheless, everyone does not do this and most people take the film for truth because of trust in cinema.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Week 12: Creating Sources - Oral History
Oral history and public memories by Hamilton and Shopes (2008) address the topics of “oral history, memory, and the public” (p. vii). Oral history is a documented story of an individual concerning a specific topic and/or event in time. The authors utilize many researchers and historians to explore the historical question, which is solely focused on the social practice of oral history.
As discussed by the Hamilton and Shopes (2008), there are two core observations within the text. (1) Oral history is typically semi-private. Originally, it was rarely taken “out of the house” and now, primarily due to digitization, the practice has been taken “down the street” for others to enjoy and learn from. (2) Oral history is rarely a central practice in various professions such as history, anthropology, sociology, and cultural studies, even in recent scholarship where history and memory are inevitably entangled. This is demonstrated through the various stories concerning oral history and public memory told by researchers and historians.
The observations presented by the authors are surely valid. Though oral history has not been considered nor utilized as a central research practice, it definitely is and should be for fields involving cultural studies. Oral history is a social practice which connects the past and the present like any other form of history does. This practice is much more than a simple archival activity; it is a form of historical preservation…if you will. Otherwise, the history within the story of a specified time period would be lost. Think about any war, slavery, the Holocaust, any natural disaster, any era or time period in history. What if we did not know the stories of the people? What if no one thought to record the memories and thoughts of the primary resource? We as researchers would have lost out on many aspects of research. Overall, I found Oral history and public memories to be simply informative and supportive of the social practice of oral history.
Hamilton, P., & Shopes, L. (2008). Oral history and public memories. Philadelphia, PA: Temple University
Press.
As discussed by the Hamilton and Shopes (2008), there are two core observations within the text. (1) Oral history is typically semi-private. Originally, it was rarely taken “out of the house” and now, primarily due to digitization, the practice has been taken “down the street” for others to enjoy and learn from. (2) Oral history is rarely a central practice in various professions such as history, anthropology, sociology, and cultural studies, even in recent scholarship where history and memory are inevitably entangled. This is demonstrated through the various stories concerning oral history and public memory told by researchers and historians.
The observations presented by the authors are surely valid. Though oral history has not been considered nor utilized as a central research practice, it definitely is and should be for fields involving cultural studies. Oral history is a social practice which connects the past and the present like any other form of history does. This practice is much more than a simple archival activity; it is a form of historical preservation…if you will. Otherwise, the history within the story of a specified time period would be lost. Think about any war, slavery, the Holocaust, any natural disaster, any era or time period in history. What if we did not know the stories of the people? What if no one thought to record the memories and thoughts of the primary resource? We as researchers would have lost out on many aspects of research. Overall, I found Oral history and public memories to be simply informative and supportive of the social practice of oral history.
Hamilton, P., & Shopes, L. (2008). Oral history and public memories. Philadelphia, PA: Temple University
Press.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Week 10 - Preserving History : Archives
This week’s reading presents a discussion about archives. Burton utilizes multiple archival stories of historians for this discussion. The various stories discuss the creation, manipulation, and policies surrounding archives. In addition, some of the essays question what is an archive and history. What about forms of history that do not materialize, such as oral histories, fiction, planning for communities and buildings, and even cyberspace? The stories remind the reader archives are important for politics and society in order to tell a story about the past of an individual’s and/or collective communities.
Archives are especially important to researchers. However, some archives are not open to all researchers and/or the general public. However, in one of the essays Western research were granted access to the Central State Archive because of their wealth. This story shows the bias for access. Archives should be open with protection to all researchers for the simple sake of research and exploration of a history. This story particularly disturbed me because it goes back to times were you were considered wealthy if you had a home library.
The stories that could be and will be told based on the composition of archives makes an archive powerful. History typically provokes some type of emotion. For example, an African American in a slave or Civil Rights museum, a Jewish person in a Holocaust museum, and/or a woman in a Women’s evolution museum. My point is race and gender can affect the ways in which History or archives are viewed. Yet, these stories were not told. I assumed, because of the title the book, there would be a mixture of stories concerning archives from historians as well as those who experienced them (citizen stories). I think this would have made an impact on the book.
Overall, I found this book to be incomplete. I wanted more stories…stories from those researchers concerning the emotion they felt as the dug through the archives and discovered more information on their desired topic. As a research of African American history, I know that if history is not recorded in some fashion, it is lost. I am very appreciative of archives. I agree with various historians on the mere importance and vitality of archives. They do relate politics and society, which are always important whether it is national or local history. Information Professionals (librarians and historians) must seek to continue to maintain and create more archives for the use of various researchers as well as society.
Archives are especially important to researchers. However, some archives are not open to all researchers and/or the general public. However, in one of the essays Western research were granted access to the Central State Archive because of their wealth. This story shows the bias for access. Archives should be open with protection to all researchers for the simple sake of research and exploration of a history. This story particularly disturbed me because it goes back to times were you were considered wealthy if you had a home library.
The stories that could be and will be told based on the composition of archives makes an archive powerful. History typically provokes some type of emotion. For example, an African American in a slave or Civil Rights museum, a Jewish person in a Holocaust museum, and/or a woman in a Women’s evolution museum. My point is race and gender can affect the ways in which History or archives are viewed. Yet, these stories were not told. I assumed, because of the title the book, there would be a mixture of stories concerning archives from historians as well as those who experienced them (citizen stories). I think this would have made an impact on the book.
Overall, I found this book to be incomplete. I wanted more stories…stories from those researchers concerning the emotion they felt as the dug through the archives and discovered more information on their desired topic. As a research of African American history, I know that if history is not recorded in some fashion, it is lost. I am very appreciative of archives. I agree with various historians on the mere importance and vitality of archives. They do relate politics and society, which are always important whether it is national or local history. Information Professionals (librarians and historians) must seek to continue to maintain and create more archives for the use of various researchers as well as society.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Week 10: Public Displays of History: Pageantry
Pageantry is all about the grand display of history; the presentation. There are many reasons for this type of display of history. From the readings I gathered that this form of display serves as a sense of pride residences of a local community and of the nation (speaking from the prospective of Bodnar). This sense of pride is provided through the sense of history. This type of display is the focus and argument for the week 10 readings.
Glassberg focuses on the celebration of the city. The most popular ways being local civic celebrations (festivals, parades, and city spaces included) and historical reenactments (plays included). “The public commemoration of events from local history projects a distinctive collective identity for people of different classes, ethnic backgrounds, and lengths of residence who happen to live in the same locale” (Glassberg, 2001, p. 61). Glassberg utilizes historical examples dating back to the eighteenth century with Plymouth, Massachusetts and the celebration the landing of Pilgrims. These traditions have always and will always be apart of the Americana. It is a way to be proud, remember, and respect the origins of the community while it continues to undergo various physical and demographic transformations (Glassberg, 2001). Glassberg also points out that the displays serve a different purpose at the citywide level. At this level it is more about the politics of “collective” historical representation, which include “the press for economic advantage, the expansion of municipal services, and the restructuring of urban government” (Glassberg, 2001, p 85). This proves that disorder does indeed play a role in the building or celebration of public displays of local history. At the citywide level, it primarily becomes a form of popular culture for commercial uses.
On the other hand, Bodnar focuses on celebrating national history. He focuses on the commemorations of the American Revolution and the Civil War. As discussed by Bodnar, the intent of these displays was to “reinforce citizen loyalty to a nation-state and diminish attachments individuals may have held toward a region, a locale, or a communal group” (Bodnar, 1991, p. 243). Where are Glassberg discussed celebration to remember the origins because of continuing transformation, Bodnar discuss the contemporary political goals to transform interpretations of the past of apparent rebellion against political authorities (Bodnar, 1991).
This week’s readings discussed public displays of history in the form of pageantry and their uses. There are various forms of pageantry. Parades and plays are common displays, if not the most common, for celebrating a city’s local history and even national history. These celebrations serve multiple purposes. I believe Glassberg (2001) summed it up the best with, “urban residents have been governed by not only their economic and administrative systems but also by public displays of history in celebrations that cultivate the powerful emotion of rooting for the home team” (p. 85). I found the readings helpful in explaining local and national pageantry for various historical events and their uses.
Reference
Bodnar, J. E. (1991). Remaking America: Public memory, commemoration, and patriotism in the
twentieth century. Princeton, N.J: Princeton University Press.
Glassberg, D. (2001). Sense of history: The place of the past in American life. Amherst:
University of Massachusetts Press.
Glassberg focuses on the celebration of the city. The most popular ways being local civic celebrations (festivals, parades, and city spaces included) and historical reenactments (plays included). “The public commemoration of events from local history projects a distinctive collective identity for people of different classes, ethnic backgrounds, and lengths of residence who happen to live in the same locale” (Glassberg, 2001, p. 61). Glassberg utilizes historical examples dating back to the eighteenth century with Plymouth, Massachusetts and the celebration the landing of Pilgrims. These traditions have always and will always be apart of the Americana. It is a way to be proud, remember, and respect the origins of the community while it continues to undergo various physical and demographic transformations (Glassberg, 2001). Glassberg also points out that the displays serve a different purpose at the citywide level. At this level it is more about the politics of “collective” historical representation, which include “the press for economic advantage, the expansion of municipal services, and the restructuring of urban government” (Glassberg, 2001, p 85). This proves that disorder does indeed play a role in the building or celebration of public displays of local history. At the citywide level, it primarily becomes a form of popular culture for commercial uses.
On the other hand, Bodnar focuses on celebrating national history. He focuses on the commemorations of the American Revolution and the Civil War. As discussed by Bodnar, the intent of these displays was to “reinforce citizen loyalty to a nation-state and diminish attachments individuals may have held toward a region, a locale, or a communal group” (Bodnar, 1991, p. 243). Where are Glassberg discussed celebration to remember the origins because of continuing transformation, Bodnar discuss the contemporary political goals to transform interpretations of the past of apparent rebellion against political authorities (Bodnar, 1991).
This week’s readings discussed public displays of history in the form of pageantry and their uses. There are various forms of pageantry. Parades and plays are common displays, if not the most common, for celebrating a city’s local history and even national history. These celebrations serve multiple purposes. I believe Glassberg (2001) summed it up the best with, “urban residents have been governed by not only their economic and administrative systems but also by public displays of history in celebrations that cultivate the powerful emotion of rooting for the home team” (p. 85). I found the readings helpful in explaining local and national pageantry for various historical events and their uses.
Reference
Bodnar, J. E. (1991). Remaking America: Public memory, commemoration, and patriotism in the
twentieth century. Princeton, N.J: Princeton University Press.
Glassberg, D. (2001). Sense of history: The place of the past in American life. Amherst:
University of Massachusetts Press.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Week 9: Public Displays of History - Monuments
Public displays of history or monuments are powerful. Anything with power can too be a controversial issue. Monuments are no exception. This is the focus and argument of the week nine reading. Levinson and Glassberg both seek to present this argument in their writings.
Levinson discusses the controversy behind various monuments. These monuments provoke thought, which more than likely will lead to open discussion. He discusses various social and legal arguments concerning the monument, construction (including artist), and possible destruction of side monument. Reasons for possible deconstruction may include public uproar concerning accuracy, representation of figures and/or events on display, and/or use of public space. Levinson looks at the many factors that may affect public displays of history in the form of monuments.
Continuing with the topic of controversy around monuments and public space is reading 2. Glassberg focuses on war heroes of a small town in Massachusetts. Prior to being erected, an obelisk was questioned by the community. After an open discussion about the use of the public space, the community decided to reserve the space for a monument (viewed as a beautification project). This did not go without controversy. Great War veterans were upset, along with some community members. The veterans created and celebrated their own memory. This is not uncommon for a certain group to feel left out or underrepresented in public memorials. Memorials of figures and events in a monument form can and possibly will always be a controversy because of the diverse points of view.
Overall, the readings discuss the power behind monuments. Both Levinson and Glassberg utilize various examples of monuments that demonstrate power. The power provokes controversy in different ways, including thought provoking open discussion and even deconstruction. Monuments, whether agreed upon or not, relates the past to the present.
Levinson discusses the controversy behind various monuments. These monuments provoke thought, which more than likely will lead to open discussion. He discusses various social and legal arguments concerning the monument, construction (including artist), and possible destruction of side monument. Reasons for possible deconstruction may include public uproar concerning accuracy, representation of figures and/or events on display, and/or use of public space. Levinson looks at the many factors that may affect public displays of history in the form of monuments.
Continuing with the topic of controversy around monuments and public space is reading 2. Glassberg focuses on war heroes of a small town in Massachusetts. Prior to being erected, an obelisk was questioned by the community. After an open discussion about the use of the public space, the community decided to reserve the space for a monument (viewed as a beautification project). This did not go without controversy. Great War veterans were upset, along with some community members. The veterans created and celebrated their own memory. This is not uncommon for a certain group to feel left out or underrepresented in public memorials. Memorials of figures and events in a monument form can and possibly will always be a controversy because of the diverse points of view.
Overall, the readings discuss the power behind monuments. Both Levinson and Glassberg utilize various examples of monuments that demonstrate power. The power provokes controversy in different ways, including thought provoking open discussion and even deconstruction. Monuments, whether agreed upon or not, relates the past to the present.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Week 7: Cultural Resources Management in the 20th Century
This week’s readings are a continuation of the historical preservation discussion. The readings present different approaches to historical preservation. Glassberg discuss a more private or local approach, whereas Waldbauer discuss a large governmental approach.
Glassberg argues for local historical preservations with case study examples. He deemed historical preservation to be driven by memory, which is a reoccurring theme throughout the book, Sense of History. For the Massachusetts case study, the residents prove Glassberg’s theory of history being driven by memory when discussing place of personal significance. Due to the fact that history is memory driven, the story can change from generation to generations and even from person to person. The case study on California was more about preserving the stories of miners and lands of elder family members. The residents validated their thoughts and memories through images of the past.
Waldbauer discusses the national approach used by federal government for lands, districts, etc of national significance, with a discussion of the federal preservation movement. This movement merges culture and nature preserving land of significance. After scientific validation, the land would be preserved. There are many different sites being preserved by the federal government. The article also focuses on Antiquities Act of 1906, which grants the US President “authority to protect areas of public land by designating national monuments” (Waldbauer and Hutt, 2006, p. 42). Unlike the local approach, the governmental approach is supported by laws.
The readings present persuasive arguments for ways to approach historical preservation; local versus national. In my opinion, both approaches are valid and very much need. Local museums and private historical societies can provide attention to local history. They are able to see what is important to their town and share that with residents and tourists. This grants local towns a sense of history and pride driven by memory. On the other hand, the larger form of historical preservation (federal government) is greatly needed. A country should know of historical grounds. This will provide a larger sense of history and pride driven more for remembrance.
Glassberg argues for local historical preservations with case study examples. He deemed historical preservation to be driven by memory, which is a reoccurring theme throughout the book, Sense of History. For the Massachusetts case study, the residents prove Glassberg’s theory of history being driven by memory when discussing place of personal significance. Due to the fact that history is memory driven, the story can change from generation to generations and even from person to person. The case study on California was more about preserving the stories of miners and lands of elder family members. The residents validated their thoughts and memories through images of the past.
Waldbauer discusses the national approach used by federal government for lands, districts, etc of national significance, with a discussion of the federal preservation movement. This movement merges culture and nature preserving land of significance. After scientific validation, the land would be preserved. There are many different sites being preserved by the federal government. The article also focuses on Antiquities Act of 1906, which grants the US President “authority to protect areas of public land by designating national monuments” (Waldbauer and Hutt, 2006, p. 42). Unlike the local approach, the governmental approach is supported by laws.
The readings present persuasive arguments for ways to approach historical preservation; local versus national. In my opinion, both approaches are valid and very much need. Local museums and private historical societies can provide attention to local history. They are able to see what is important to their town and share that with residents and tourists. This grants local towns a sense of history and pride driven by memory. On the other hand, the larger form of historical preservation (federal government) is greatly needed. A country should know of historical grounds. This will provide a larger sense of history and pride driven more for remembrance.
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