How I did my project
This project was created through History 390 at George Mason University. Through this course I acquired the skills that were the basis for creating this site.
Finding Sources
In order to find all of these digitized sources I started basic and typed my research questions into google. From here I used the skills we learned in class for evaluating websites. I followed the criteria of analyzing the accuracy, authority, objectivity, and currency of sites. I looked further into other search engines such as the GMU library database as well. Most of the sources I used are primary sources, which are sources that are original materials that have not been altered and are from the time that is being spoken about. When analyzing the primary sources I came across I was sure to use the analytical steps of sourcing, contextualizing, close reading, reading the silences, and corroborating in order to ensure proper primary sources for this project. I also found secondary sources through a variety of search engines.
Challenges
During my research I was fortunate enough to have such great guidance and thorough definitions by my professor that I rarely ran into complications completing this project. The few instances I experienced difficulties with had to do with navigating Omeka. Before registering for History 390 I had very little knowledge of content management systems, if any at all. Being that this is all new to be I had ideas and plans of what I wanted in my project but figuring out how to actually implement it was difficult for me. Creating exhibits was a main aspect of confusion. After searching through the help portion of Omeka, I was able to understand exactly what I needed to do.
Besides the digitized aspect of this project, I had difficulty choosing a topic. I knew that this was something I was going to be spending a lot of time on so I wanted to be sure I was engaged and interested in what I was researching. I decided to choose a topic relating to the monuments because I have never actually been to DC until this fall. When deciding on the Smithsonian Institution, I did not know what direction to go with it because it was so broad. Thankfully, with just some research and help from my classmates I finally developed my specific research question.
Taken by Surprise
Within the first couple class sessions we were told about this project. I remember thinking to myself that I would never be able to complete something like this. When entering this class I had no knowledge of what a content management system was or how to navigate the web besides just putting words into the Google search engine and clicking the first couple things that come up. I am surprised at how possible and apparent research and content management systems can be with just some application of effort. I am so thankful to now have this skill.
What I learned
There are many things that I am going to take away with me from this final project. Not only do I know more about the history of our nations capital, but I can now utilize content management systems and effectively analyze research and digitized sources. This will come of great use in my future endeavors. I have already offered to create a word press for a student organization that I am in on campus. The other members think this is a great idea and I am happy to put what I have learned this semester to further use.