Please allow me to begin by stating the following- I abhor three things: pretension, hypocrites, and paying lip-service to the undeserving. Now, with that out of the way...
As I have previously stated, I am honored to be in graduate school at the University of North Alabama. With a beautiful campus adorned with fountains, flowers, manicured lawns (thanks to some very skilled landscaping crews!), rolling hills, and friendly people, U.N.A. was my first and only choice for a return to college. I had previously researched universities extensively as I prepared to enter into the world of teacher education. Well, with quite a distinguished past in this area, U.N.A. seemed an obvious choice. A feeling of individualism permeates the campus and its inhabitants, giving a student the peace of mind that they will receive a personalized education and the contentment brought by quality versus cost. Through my 18 year relationship with the University of North Alabama, the institution has only grown in effectiveness, while remaining extremely reasonable to the pocketbook. One area of growth is in my home-away-from-home (no, not some wayward Caribbean island with dirt-cheap massages and virgin daiquiris!), the Department of History. U.N.A. began offering a concentration in "Public History" in the Fall of 2013, much to my delight. With the new program addition, brought a new addition to the U.N.A. faculty, Dr. Carolyn Barske. We in the Public History history program refer to her as "El Capitan" and "The Oracle". Dr. Barske is our bridge between the dusty academic tomb and the gleefully rose-colored public sector. To say that Dr. Barske wears many hats (figuratively, as I've never seen her in a hat) is a vast understatement. This summer, right this very minute, she is teaching a course entitled "Digital History". Throughout this course, the students will be focusing on three main objectives. To quote Dr. Barske's syllabus:
1) To learn the language of the academic historian v. the public historian.
2) To begin the process of learning how to use digital technology.
3) To learn how to convey the knowledge gleaned from your research in a different format than the typical academic paper and for a different audience.
Isn't that coolness! Like, sweetness on a stick bro! This course is following right in line with something that I have believed since entering into the historical world: historians should also be skilled in public relations. I had a student one time (Okay, I hear the moaning folks! Yes I've told this before, but its retelling will serve a purpose here! Cut me some slack!) in one of my creative writing classes who lamented that an English professor made fun of popular fiction. She asked me what I think about writing "dumb reads" versus "academic/literary fiction". May I just say that Pandora's Box blew sky high! My extreme distaste for pretension from personal insecurity aside, I asked the student- in sum- if she had rather find success through being read and the monetary gain possible or having someone blow the dust off of her opus while sitting in the bookshelves of the five people who actually bought the book... if not off "Amazon"!? Point made and taken. When one wants to get something to the masses, then one has to make it palatable for the masses. Now, please don't misunderstand. I chose the subject of history as a career to help stamp out misconceptions and falsehoods. You certainly don't think that I advocate taking a historical subject and twisting it into a cinematic tale that may cast the truth aside for promotion do you?
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Crap no! As a matter of fact, it is that very practice that helps stretch the gulf between historians and the questioning public ever wider. And speaking of answering the public's questions in a palatable way, what is more often digested in our society than the internet!? Exactly. Enter my "Digital History" course.
For those of us taking part in the "Digital History" course, the creation and maintenance of a blog is mandatory. However, in this case, "mandatory" is not a four-letter word (literally and figuratively!). We are to complete three directed assignments and then utilize a minimum number of blog posts to relay our trials, tribulations, and exaltations during the creation of a Public History website. So, this blog is not the only method that my hack-worthy prose will plaque the internet! For the first directed exercise, we are to analyze and critique the websites of three historical organizations. Will we be doing this within the boundaries of our own education and opinion? Well... partially. Actually, we will be using the methodology of Anne Lindsay, put forth in her written piece entitled "
#VirtualTourist: Embracing Our Audience Through Public History Web Experience." Let's take a look at what Ms. Lindsay has to say...
Selections and ideas taken from "
#VirtualTourist: Embracing Our Audience Through Public History Web Experience", with personal commentary afterwards and in italics:
The particular source that I am reading from begins with an abstract with the following first line: "Public historians at sites of cultural heritage tourism struggle to engage with an ever-changing audience." We'll return to this statement later...
1) A case study on Jane is offered. Jane is a technocrat and enjoys history, particularly American History. She visits Monticello and enjoys every minute of it without ever leaving her computer's side (well, front). Why the stay-cation? Money. The proposed relationship between online tourist and the historical site is deemed symbiotic. (
The online preview of sites can add a thirst to travel there next time funds allow, but the buying of gifts for loved ones from these online gift stores with frequency is a bit of a stretch.)
2) A definition for a "virtual tourist" (
pretty obvious, so I'll refrain from quoting) is given and the need for all heritage sites (history, art, etc.) to seek the online market is stressed.
3) The piece goes on to address the interactivity of an online tour, both pros and cons. For example: pro- content control, con- limited ability to question.
4) The internet is now essential to the life of a well-rounded heritage tour.
5) Many heritage tours are using "educationally based and immersive experiences." Among others, Colonial Williamsburg is mentioned...
PHOTOS by Mickey J. Lollar, 2013
6) The importance of all-inclusive and visually-stunning online content is stressed. The reader is reminded- a good lesson for today's generation- that if it looks and quacks like a duck, then it's a duck, and lackluster online content often heralds a lackluster site.
7) Consideration for having an entirely separate online experience from the basic tourism aspect is briefly discussed. Returning visitors can mean "continued investment" and multi-level support.
8) The piece dives into a discussion about the economic considerations weighed by heritage sites and how Public Historians are often both historian and businessperson.
9) Ms. Linsay's piece finally begins to address some "embracing" suggestions. Here are the Top 20!
1. Form an emotional connection to the past.
2. People want complex and immersive experiences.
3. Remember that the number of consumers has not dropped, even though visitor numbers have.
4. Consider digital reconstruction for by-gone heritage resources.
5. Supplement a physical gallery with web-based experiences.
6. People seek to connect with their culture.
7. Remember what a powerful advertising tool social media can be. (Having removed myself from the elementary school that is Facebook, I can't see how clicking a "Like" button will help. Well, other than basic advertising. And Twitter... come on. Tweeters are usually more interested in gossip and who's buying what at the Piggly-Wiggly! Or maybe Neiman Marcus? Anyway.)
8. Twitter can be used to stir interest. (Absolutely... with the right author! According to the piece, it might even inspire a "historically-based flash-mob"! You've. Got. To. Be. Kidding. Maybe at DragonCon in Atlanta... which is AWESOME by the way!)
9. Sites (physical and online) must address everyday life and offer the perspectives of all groups involved.
10. Remember the narrative/theme! (As a hack, um, writer, I know that a story is far more effective when it utilizes seamless continuity and comes full-circle for the consumer.)
11. A good slogan and Mission Statement can go a long way.
12. Multiple websites under the same general "umbrella" can expand a site's mission. Example: Colonial Williamsburg.
13. Never sacrifice your physical site at the alter of an online site. Instead, separate the two and make both invaluable.
14. Be sure to have extensive depth to site content.
15. Keep site content fresh and offer frequent changes.
16. Research social media outlets and choose those that best suit the mission.
17. * YouTube is invaluable! (True 'dat!)
18. People love behind-the-scenes opportunities. * please see YouTube exclamation
19. Economics 101: Donors like positive results and upward mobility.
20. When choosing content, remember to include all generations.
10) The author points to Colonial Williamsburg, Mount Vernon, and Monticello as leaders in the arena of "Public History web experiences." Here are the links to their sites:
Colonial Williamsburg- www.history.org (Just one of five!)
Mount Vernon- www.mountvernon.org
Monticello- www.monticello.org
Alright, having summarized Ms. Lindsay's piece on virtual tourism, I ask you to join me in the examination and review of three historical sites. After I finish the examinations, I welcome any thoughts, opinions, disagreements, and/or additions! Remember, I am taking the size of the organizations into consideration, therefore, the pitfalls and pluses that come with it...
SITE 1: The East Hampton Historical Society
Questions at info@easthamptonhistory.org
101 Main Street
East Hampton, NY 11937
P: 631-324-8650
F: 631-324-9885
First, please allow me to state that my wife- Mandy- and I adore the Hamptons of New York... particularly East Hampton and Sag Harbor. The scenery, the food, the shopping (especially antiques! Hit "The Antique Shop at 2466 Main Street"!), and the off-season locals! However, that fact will not influence my analysis and review of this site. Promise.
When a visitor first gazes at the richness, um, okay... first gazes on the East Hampton Historical Society's website, they are greeted with a header running through a slide-show of scenic photographs from the area. This is an excellent touch and great introduction to the area that really requires very little time on the viewer's part. Below the header are tabs that lead to other areas of the website, such as a list of museums, events, ways to join and donate, news, and organizational history, purpose, staff, board, and a killer Mission Statement. Under the tabs is an advertisement for an upcoming antiques show, proving that the website is up-to-date. Below the advertisement, there are two sections of "Quick Looks": museums (with maps) and upcoming events. Allowing visitors these "Quick Looks" addresses the two biggest draws for the Society. Mind you, at the bottom of the page, the following may address any financial concerns:
SUPPORTS THE EAST HAMPTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Clicking on the "Museums" tab, a visitor gets to see the front of the museum, foundation year, address, phone number, dates and times, prices, and a link for details about the museum. This section is very concise and user-friendly. The next tab is "Events" and it contains the same concise and simplistic format. Next up is the "Calendar" tab with an extremely easy to use calendar that has shaded boxes when events are occurring... which one will find is almost every day! Amazing! The "Join & Donate" tab comes next and offers detailed information on the different levels of membership and how donations can be made to the Society. Of note on this page is their utilization of PayPal. The next tab option is "News." On the "News" page is a sparse section dealing with Societal issues in the news and a form to receive an e-mailed newsletter. Finally, tab number seven offers the before-mentioned Mission Statement, contact information, staff, trustees, and a financial report for 2011. Other than updating the financial report, perhaps placing the Mission Statement on the "Home" page would be even more attention-grabbing and an homage to the beautiful scenic pictures scrolling by. And, yes, they are on Facebook!
Using the Top 20 suggestions from the Anne Lindsay reading, the East Hampton Historical Society website rates an 11 out of 20. Here are the suggestions that I feel the site either touches on or "embraces": 1. Form an emotional connection to the past; 6. People seek to connect with their culture; 7. Remember what a powerful advertising tool social media can be; 9. Sites (physical and online) must address everyday life and offer the perspectives of all groups involved; 10. Remember the narrative/theme; 11. A good slogan and Mission Statement can go a long way; 13. Never sacrifice your physical site at the alter of an online site. Instead, separate the two and make both invaluable; 15. Keep site content fresh and offer frequent changes; 16. Research social media outlets and choose those that best suit the mission; 17. YouTube is invaluable; 19. Economics 101: Donors like positive results and upward mobility. This historical society is a local one and does a superb job in its mission.
SITE 2: The St. Augustine Historical Society
Questions at sahsdirector@bellsouth.net
271 Charlotte Street
St. Augustine, Florida 32084
P: 904-824-2872
F: 904-824-2569
First of all, may I just state that my wife and I love St. Augustine, Florida! What? That sounds familiar? Probably because everyone finds St. Augustine awesome on so many levels! Most of all, however, St. Augustine is an obvious powerhouse in the history arena. Why? Remember that Graduation Exam? The one that inadequately measures your worthiness to graduate high school? Right! St. Augustine is the railroad that linked East and West... NO! Ugh. Public education. It's the oldest Spanish settlement in the United States, as well as the oldest city. With its downtown shopping area, cobblestone streets, river-front strolling, great restaurants, cozy bed-and-breakfast offerings, sweeping lighthouse, romantic carriage rides at night, extensive beaches, and enough history to tire even Indiana Jones (but not Dr. Barske!), St. Augustine has an intoxicating allure and unbeatable charm. Furthermore, it holds a special place in my heart as it was the first vacation I went on as a child. Mom and dad, may I just say- EPIC! I'm sure I can dig up a few pictures for later...
A visitor to the St. Augustine Historical Society's website may face a bit of initial confusion. The first impression given is that one has reached a site for "Florida's Oldest House." Well, that is true. However, it is misleading when someone wants to visit the Society's site, types in a very specific address (staugustinehistoricalsociety.org), and this pops up:
There are numerous tabs, however, that offer many directional choices. First up is the "Oldest House" tab. This tab offers a visitor information about the extensive Oldest House Museum Complex, hours of operation, admission, and even a link to an online store! Excellent. The next tab is a link to the "Store", where one can find such offerings as beautiful artwork, books, and ornaments. "Site Rentals" is the title of the next tab and its page holds information about venues for rent, such as The Oldest House & Garden and The Llambias House and Garden. Next up is the "Exhibits and Programs" tab. Here a visitor can find information about Speaker Programs- though the one might question whether it is up-to-date due to no year delineation- and a Walking Tour. Wonderfully, the "Teacher Resources" tab comes next, with details about student tours and a small, but interesting, list of PDF links. As an educator, I thank the Society for including this area on their website! Interestingly, the next tab is entitled "Research Library." Here is what the site states: "The St. Augustine Historical Society Research Library preserves the finest collections of printed, microfilmed, manuscript, digital, and pictorial materials relating to Florida history in a non-governmental repository. Our collections are of national importance owing to the many unique resources that we offer." Bravo! This tab also gives highlights, physical location, parking, hours, and fees. Next to last, the "About the Society" tab presents the history of the St. Augustine Historical Society- with old photographs- and Membership information. Incidentally, it is here one finds the Mission Statement, though it is not labeled as such. Finally, the last tab is labeled "Links" and gives a visitor the opportunity to explore "Connections to Florida's History" through website links. This area of the Society's site is information-rich as well.
Using the Top 20 suggestions from the Anne Lindsay reading, the St. Augustine Historical Society website rates a generous 8 out of 20. Here are the suggestions that I feel the site either touches on or "embraces": 1. Form an emotional connection to the past; 3. Remember that the number of consumers has not dropped, even though visitor numbers have; 6. People seek to connect with their culture; 9. Sites (physical and online) must address everyday life and offer the perspectives of all groups involved; 10. Remember the narrative/theme; 13. Never sacrifice your physical site at the alter of an online site. Instead, separate the two and make both invaluable; 17. YouTube is invaluable; 20. When choosing content, remember to include all generations. I was a bit let down following the examination of this website, as the city holds innumerable riches and endless marketing possibilities. Pay a visit to the beautiful, yet mismanaged (in the past anyway), Fountain of Youth and you'll see what I mean.
SITE 3: The Southern Railway Historical Association
Questions at Membership@SRHA.net
P. O. Box 33
Spencer, NC 28159
First of all, well, other than a scenic ride to New Orleans via Amtrak (and one that circled our Christmas Tree one year), I have very little experience with the rail system. I chose the Southern Railway Historical Association website for that very reason however- an educational opportunity. Fully realizing the importance of this nation's rail systems as a history teacher, I am honored to visit this organization's site.
Get ready for some green! The continuity of the Association's logo is spread charmingly throughout the website and a visitor gets the feeling that this site simply wants to get down to business! The tabs are organized differently on this site than the previous two, as these run down the left side of the home-page. The title of the website is clearly displayed and is followed by a very concise Mission Statement. I love this- "Our mission is to Preserve the History of the Southern Railway." Ah, the sweetness of simplicity. Following the Mission Statement are updates on "What's New" and "Upcoming Events." The site really does an excellent job utilizing photographs as well. The home-page also has, among others, a "Member Log-In" section, an interactive calendar called "This Month in Southern History", and some of the new offerings in the store. The home-page is certainly a visual feast! The next tab is entitled "Membership" and effectively lists the perks and prices of Association membership. Next up is the "Donate to SRHA" tab. It tells of the Association's non-profit status and how important donations are to future projects. Of course, a link and additional information are provided for those who wish to give. Probably holding the most fascination for me is the "TIES Magazine" tab and its page outlining the Association's magazine. Nicely done! "The GRAB Store" is next down the tabs list and offers selections for members-only and the general public. This is an excellent way to encourage membership! The "Southern History" tab gives a visitor a brief history of the Southern Railway, complete with a portrait of Southern's first president, Samuel Spencer. For some reason, seeing Mr. Spencer makes me want to re-read the "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County"... Ah well. Later. Continuing down the list of tabs, a visitor comes to the "Archives." Within this overview of the Association's archives- located at the Southern Museum of Locomotive and Civil War History in Kennesaw, GA- are plenty of links for the curious explorer. Following is the "Leadership" tab that offers a simple table containing the names of the SRHA leadership. Hold on to those conductor's caps folks, because the next tab is probably the coolest: "Modeling." Here, interested parties can find online articles and models available to the public. For example:
With amazing fertility, the "Links" tab offers a plethora of "clickable" information, including social media sites, historical societies, museums, and model manufacturers. Again, I must say: excellent work! Also of equal historical "epicness" is the "Surviving Equipment" tab and its actual photographs of said equipment (artifacts!). Once again, membership brings the added bonus of additional equipment photographs and the page ends with some tips for spotting Southern cabooses. Does it get any more quaint than that?! And finally, the last tab, "Photo Gallery" offers a look at the Association and its mission across the board with 213 photographs to date. By far, this website offered me the most entertainment and information from this whole examination and review experience. Great job SRHA! Now, let's see your score...
Using the Top 20 suggestions from the Anne Lindsay reading, the Southern Railway Historical Association website rates a whopping 16 out of 20! Here are the suggestions that I feel the site either touches on or "embraces":
1. Form an emotional connection to the past;
2. People want complex and immersive experiences;
3. Remember that the number of consumers has not dropped, even though visitor numbers have;
5. Supplement a physical gallery with web-based experiences;
6. People seek to connect with their culture;
7. Remember what a powerful advertising tool social media can be;
9. Sites (physical and online) must address everyday life and offer the perspectives of all groups involved;
10. Remember the narrative/theme;
11. A good slogan and Mission Statement can go a long way;
12. Multiple websites under the same general "umbrella" can expand a site's mission;
13. Never sacrifice your physical site at the alter of an online site. Instead, separate the two and make both invaluable;
14. Be sure to have extensive depth to site content;
15. Keep site content fresh and offer frequent changes;
16. Research social media outlets and choose those that best suit the mission;
17. YouTube is invaluable;
20. When choosing content, remember to include all generations.
As I draw this post to a close, and you breathe a sigh of relief or simply become conscious again, I want to express my thanks to everyone who takes the time to visit the before-mentioned websites. The support of historical organizations is of the utmost importance, as they are the gatekeepers and nurturers of our heritage. Please remember this when looking to give charitable contributions of money and/or time. Also, please feel free to contribute to me and leave any and all comments below! Thank you. Speaking of time, it's 4 a.m.! Ooooh... Yep... there went that switch again...
DREAM by Mickey J. Lollar
