“I may not have gone where I intended to go,...

...but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.” Douglas Adams, 'The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul'

Yet again I find myself at the end of another smashing week of Grad School!

Needless to say, I've survived my first official week of classes, which, I suppose I should mention, are the following:

1. Understanding Archives: The Management of Primary Sources in the Digital Age
2. Public History: Theory, History, and Practice
3. Digital Public History

I'm excited to really get into the nitty gritty of all the projects. Forthcoming rapidly is a presentation for my archives class based on an online exhibit that has been put together by an archive. I have an idea on what I want to do it on, (here's looking at you Mütter museum) but I want to get it approved before I really take a bite out of it. 

My public history class is well underway and after the readings we had for this past week, I'm already making connections between my own experience at the Berks County Heritage Center, especially when it comes to anything relating to heritage. I'm sure that with what seems like an endless talk on heritage vs. history, especially back home in the U.S, there will never be a lack of comparison to be made.

Unobscured's first season delves into the origins and 
lest talkedabout themes behind the Salem Witch Trials.
Each episode features interviews with leading experts

As for Digital Public history, after hearing plans and projects for this term, I am looking forward to the class even more. One of the main reasons UWO was even on my list of schools was not just for the public history program, but for the emphasis placed on digital methods. Creating my own podcast episode is one of the first projects and being a fan of Aaron Mahnke's podcasts (including Lore, Cabinet of Curiosities, and Unobscured) I am thrilled to take part in learning the process. I don't doubt it will be hard, but the outcome will far outweigh the hours of editing.

Honestly, the thumbnail says enough...

It will be extremely interesting to see what my "exact" style will be once I record. My preference is to run a documentary style podcast and let my soothing voice (HA) lull listeners into a history driven sleep. In all seriousness though, it is noteworthy to consider other styles. Of course, there are conversation podcasts and interview driven ones, but even comedy has gotten involved in historical podcasts including "The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds". Theirs is a bizarre podcast where Dave reads a story from American history to Gareth who has no idea what the topic will be about. It's raw and improvised and a charming example of where a historical podcast can go if you unleash it and let it run its course.

Finally, we had a Public History meet and greet with individuals from the campus and the community. As a group, we got to meet Grant, the curator of the Banting House National Historic Site. The Banting House is the topic of our group project this year. We will be creating a traveling exhibit celebrating 100 years since the discovery of insulin. Knowing a few people with diabetes, this project will be a fairly personal experience as I am sure many of my classmates can attest to as well.

That's it for now, or at least all I can think of. If you want to read more of my thoughts and experiences hit that subscribe button at the top of the page! As you can see, this should be a very interesting year.

As always,

Festina Lente my friends

--Jess--