I have been in favour of the Google Books project for some time, mainly because the project allows for greater accessibility of scholarship. This past week Google announced a new facet to Google Books. Now, more than 2 million books, which are currently featured on Google Books, can be turned into "instant paperbacks." Google has … Continue reading Cheap Books on Demand
The Portrait Gallery that never was.
The dream of a Canadian Portrait Gallery has died, possibly for good. Following the creation of the Gallery in 2001, the Gallery has faced a number of challenges including a lack of an institution. However, despite this lack of permanent building the Gallery managed to stage exhibitions at both the Museum of Nature and the … Continue reading The Portrait Gallery that never was.
Call for Proposals, AAO Conference
I thought this might be of interest to anyone working with digital technology in the heritage sector, particularly those persons who work with archival photos.Archives Association of Ontario2010 Annual Conference, Barrie, OntarioJune 16-18, 2010From Daguerreotypes to Flikr:Grappling with the Archival Image in an Era of Technological ChangeThe 2010 AAO conference in Barrie aims to explore … Continue reading Call for Proposals, AAO Conference
Summer Whirlwind
After completing the course work portion of the UWO Public History program, I packed all my bags and moved to Ottawa. I spent the summer working as an intern for The History Group and volunteering at the Canadian Museum of Nature. I enjoyed my time at both organizations, and was able to gain a number … Continue reading Summer Whirlwind
Digital Communications
Historians have often been accused of being behind the times in terms of digital applications. This may be true in some instances, who hasn't seen a historian fumble with a simple PowerPoint presentation. However, there are also a number of historical organizations and professionals who have embraced various forms of technology. Many of these technologies … Continue reading Digital Communications
Online Resource: Our Ontario
I recently stumbled across an interesting digitization project. OurOntario.ca is a division of Knowledge Ontario. The project aims to make various cultural collections in Ontario more accessible through digitization. Our Ontario works with community organizations throughout Ontario to establish effective and efficient digitization plans. Additionally, the site is geared toward researchers of all ages and … Continue reading Online Resource: Our Ontario
Google Books
My love for Google Books has been grown once again. Earlier this month Google released new features for Google Books. A variety of features were released including; the ability to embed books or book previews in html, better searching within book text, page turn feature, and an improved book overview page. For historians the improved … Continue reading Google Books
National vs. Community Museums
In many of our public history classes earlier this year we examined some of the pros and cons of working at small and big museums. The point most often brought up was that small museums often lack funding to hire many (or any) full-time employees. Conversely, the bureaucratic structure of many large museums does not … Continue reading National vs. Community Museums
Upper Canada Villiage: Historical Tourism or Commericalism?
Should heritage facilities and organizations be restricted to featuring historically correct events? Any reputable museum or similar institution should have a mandate which outlines which historical period the institution focuses on. However, during times of economic hardship can historical institutions be blamed for attempting to attract visitors by reaching outside of their mandate?This past Saturday … Continue reading Upper Canada Villiage: Historical Tourism or Commericalism?
Mythic Beasts at the CMC
From May15th to September 20th, 2009 the CMC features an exhibit entitled Mythic Beasts: Dragons, Unicorns, and Mermaids. I took in the exhibit recently during one the CMC's free admission Thursdays. The exhibit was an interesting combination of fantasy and history. The exhibit focuses on the societies which have created mythical creatures, and the cultural … Continue reading Mythic Beasts at the CMC