Libraries Virtual Homecoming: Mapping OHIO Memories and the History of Student Expression
September 25, 2020
People love to share memories with each other, which is why for over a century OHIO alumni have returned to Athens for Homecoming celebrations like the Saturday morning parade, the afternoon football game, and in recent years, the Libraries鈥 annual Homecoming display, which is filled with archival materials spanning back to the 19th century.
But this year, the display is going virtual with the premiere of 鈥溾 and 鈥溾 beginning October 5 on the .
鈥淲ith all the protests that have been going on in the country lately, we thought the presentation would be timely,鈥 said Bill Kimok, University archivist and records manager, who is highlighting the digital archives in a video detailing OHIO鈥檚 history of student expression.
Kimok explained, 鈥淭he University still encourages free expression on campus, but believes there are ways to do this so it does not hinder what else we are trying to get accomplished.鈥
Additionally on October 8 at 7 p.m., the Libraries is hosting a live Q&A with Erin Wilson, digital imaging specialist & lab manager鈥攁nd creator of the Mapping Memories鈥 interactive map, and Bill Kimok creator of the student expression video, along with a quick preview of their recorded presentations. The event is free鈥 to receive an online 鈥渋nvitation to attend.鈥
Since the pandemic began, University Libraries鈥 archivists and librarians have been working on ways to virtually capture the spirit of Homecoming鈥攁nd 鈥溾 is that vehicle. Using the interactive map, alumni and students can 鈥減in鈥 their favorite OHIO memories, share stories鈥攐r respond to other Bobcat memories.
鈥淥ne of my favorite things to do at [] Homecoming display is to watch and observe what people do. Often, people will talk with anyone around them鈥.about events they recognize because of an item or two that they had seen in the display,鈥 explained Kimok. 鈥淪o, stories get shared [here].鈥
鈥淢apping Memories鈥 is a safe and fun way to share new online stories during the week-long 2020 Virtual Homecoming (#OHIOHC2020).
鈥淚t was created using ArcGIS mapping software, which is a good demonstration [of how to use] digital tools to showcase and increase the discoverability of the Libraries鈥 collections,鈥 said Wilson. 鈥淓specially, at a time when in-person events are not a safe option.鈥
According to Wilson, the software, accessed via the web, is used widely throughout the world for geographical projects. So, connecting digital archival materials to their locations of origin seemed a logical leap.
In these days when visiting the Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections for research or classroom projects is not an option because of Covid-19, 鈥渧iewing yearbooks, student newspapers, published magazines, handbooks and scrapbooks鈥攁ll are still within the click of a mouse,鈥 said Kimok.
鈥淲e have all this stuff in the Archives [to share],鈥漵aid Kimok. 鈥淗ow cool is that?鈥
For more information contact Jen Harvey, library event coordinator, Erin Wilson or Bill Kimok.