Organization is the catalyst to keeping myself headed in the right direction, so I found this week’s readings and video useful. For my research projects that are writing based I learned the importance of breaking things down into smaller chunks, so I am not sure why I had not thought of DH in the same way. In the future I plan to apply Tabak’s model for managing DH projects to my other work as well.
This was my first introduction to any type of project management software. I really like how Basecamp keeps everything together, especially when collaborating with a team. In previous projects I have used things like shared folders, google docs, or even emailing new versions back and forth to team members. I now see how inefficient that was at the time.
What a shame that the NEH is no more, at least for another two and a half years, fingers crossed! In my work at the courthouse, I conducted grant research for the Judicial Learning Center, and it was all so foreign to me. Most of that research was during a time when everything was being cut as well, so yeah, not great times. Other than that, I had only looked at the yearly grant applications for document conservation from the Library of Virginia. That was the final product, and I never had to think about putting the package together. The NOFO we looked at this week was so helpful to better understand the entire process. I also see the importance of building grant writing as a skill. The table from page thirteen with the breakdown of the language is one of those reference items that I have now added to citation help and Dublin Core metadata definitions that I am sure I will keep going back to.
My usual methodologies consist of Trouillot’s analysis of the four moments when history is created and Montalvo’s questioning the perspectives of people that created legal documents surrounding enslaved people, so I cannot believe I had not previously applied the questioning the silences methods to digital tools and methodologies. Griffin and Hayler’s article had an interesting concept of breaking through the us versus them perception that surrounds technology. I know I have been in the situation they mention in the article when technology acts up at a presentation or something and I have treated it like an obscure tool. As a public historian my goal is to bridge the gap between academia and the public so I figure why can’t I do the same with technology.
I feel like the Anonymous Cheetahs quickly gelled as a DH team. I am sure like most, I dreaded the final group project coming into this course, but now I feel confident knowing that I am among like-minded individuals. Our strengths even out any weaknesses and I think by the end of the semester we can help each other build the skills that we feel are shortfalls. It has been super exciting these past couple of days at work putting together maps and court cases to incorporate into our project.
Hi Andrew, I also really enjoyed learning how to use Basecamp for project management. I had been introduced to it before while working on other projects, but I hadn’t used it to create a project of my own. I’m excited to use it as a way to collaborate with my group for our final project! Nice post.
I’ve worked with Trello as well as Basecamp. They work pretty much the same. For people that will not have the budget for a PM system, but have access to Outlook, I find that using Sharepoint can accomplish the same tasks. Plus it can serve as a transferable archive, once the project is over.
Hi Andrew,
I am very excited to be working with you, Karine, and Chris—your extensive knowledge of local history, the HRC’s holdings, and your background with the Center for Mason Legacies has really kick-started our whole project! With your network analysis and Omaka-building skills, Karine’s interest in exploring oral histories, Chris’ public writing skills, and my public history and exhibit-building experience (of course, coupled with Dr. Wendi’s support), I think our group is in a great position to explore and showcase the various histories of Tinner Hill. As you know from your previous research on Fairfax County Slave Patrols, the most crucial thing to remember during the group project-building process will be our own positionalities, as non-Black scholars researching, constructing, and publishing histories of a community we do not claim as our own. To best avoid potential misrepresentations, I believe our group should prioritize the lived experiences recounted in oral interviews with Tinner Hill residents and consult community members throughout the research process, and certainly before publication.
All the best,
Alexa
Andrew,
It’s good to hear that you have actual experience not only in the grant process but also in conducting research for it as well. Real-world examples are essential to fully understanding a topic, and it’s always beneficial to learn more about something you have already endured, as mentioned through these readings. I look forward to seeing how you apply these workflow and digital history principles in your work.