Each of the assigned websites for review presented history in a very unique way. All were effective in presenting material in a digital format and easily navigable; however, each had a very different aim while directed at a specific audience.
The University of Virginia’s digital archive, The Valley of the Shadow: Two Communities in the American Civil War, is an exhaustive online archive for academic research on the Civil War. It provides primary source documents for two counties, one Southern and one Northern, during the period from 1850 through the Reconstruction. The archive consists of extensive records, diaries, letters, and newspapers from the time period. The site is laid out as a floor plan of an actual archive; each “room” is a different type of document and only a click away. This digital format eliminates the need for the existence of a physical archive; a historian can travel the worldwide web instead of journeying to the actual archive. Geographic location and the associated time constraints are no longer a factor for research. While providing thousands of the aforementioned documents, the site also provides tips and information on the method required for archival research, a virtual archivist right at one’s fingertips. In addition, the website provides battle maps, timelines, and annual statistics for reference.
Lacking frills as well as advertising, The Valley Project exists to aid historians in in-depth research as well as casual inquiry with its breadth of subject material and ease of use. Anyone can successfully use this site. Each page or “room” provides browse and search options plus links to other associated rooms or research methods. The archive presents a detailed, digital look at a microcosm of Civil War-era life. The most intricate website visited, I highly recommend this site for both historians and Civil War aficionados. The digital format makes research so much easier and really shows what the internet is capable of contributing to historical research.
In contrast, The History Channel’s website is intended for casual use by a consumer population. The site was everything I expected along with a few pleasant surprises. The main page offered the latest DVD sale and tonight’s television line-up along with today’s “this day in history”. Every aspect of the website is devoted to capturing the attention of the occasional visitor; there are encyclopedia mini features, daily polls, and history-related games (What is Your Dark Age Character? a dress-up game stole my attention for over half an hour). This website best utilizes the different internet technologies to retain its viewership. Streaming video, message boards, and mobile alerts were all option on the subject header.
The historical aspect of the site, however, was casual at best although the content definitely would spark an interest in learning and general history. This was not the site for actual research and the endless self-promotion and advertising (complete with online shop!) got annoying very quick. Intended for the general population with an interest in history or the evening’s television viewing options, the website was not focused on repeat visitors.
The website for Do History was the most interesting site I reviewed. Directed toward the newer historian, the website explores the process of piecing together the lives of the past through primary research. The website is an interactive case study which presents the research used in the creation of the book and film, A Midwife’s Tale, based on the life of Martha Ballard, a late eighteenth century midwife. It provides a search-capable version of her exhaustive diary as well as a digital archive of the other primary sources used for the book. Presented by Harvard and George Mason University, this site provides both an example of how history is transformed for popular consumption and how “to do history”. Not only an archive, it also encourages budding historians to do their own original research by providing techniques and skills to discover and utilize sources.
Finally, Do History remains engaging with such options as attempting to transcribe Ballard’s illegible 18th century handwriting or reading her diary through a “magic lens” which translates her personal story into modern English. Unique and attention-grabbing features like these make the site far more engaging than The Valley Project and help make “doing history” actually fun.
The last history website I visited was for the National Museum of American History. More so than any other website, this one was simply a supplement to the actual physical museum. Offering little original content, the site was only an extension of the museum whose purpose was to entice the general population, including children, to visit the museum. The site provided special event and program details, general museum information, and tips on how to visit the museum; this was also limited because the physical location is under renovation until this summer.
As well, this website, like The History Channel’s offering, was focused more on popular culture and appeal than what one might call serious history. Cultural icons are prominent in the museum’s collections (Dorothy’s red slippers or Kermit the Frog) while archival/department research is not emphasized. This is a departure from other museums like the British Museum which encourages reading room appointments for the general public. An extension of the actual museum, the glorified digital brochure is engaging and definitely effective in convincing the online visitor to visit the museum. I actually cannot wait for the renovations to be finished now; the website reminded me of how long it has been since I visited the museum.
