Conceptualizing the "History Harvest" - Summer 2024 Internship

 Week Three: The Community Historian and Beginnings of an Initiative The Community Historian      This week, I began conceptualizing the beginnings and foundation of the History Harvest concept using the draft I discussed last week. As I navigate through the process of helping to coordinate a History Harvest with the City of Debary, I figured it would be beneficial to write and document my own thoughts towards community initiative as I work with my own community partner. My goal in creating this guide is not to just give instructions, but rather to inform with advice based on real experience that I gain in planning the concept. This past semester, I defined the "Community Historian" as "An individual dedicated to the enduement and prolonging of a collective history based on memory with the intention of empowering a communal historical authority."       Through drafting and conceptualizing, I realized this week the volume that the Community Historian contributes to t

Week Two: Drafting and Historical Preservation Meeting Drafting the Concept This week, I met with UCF faculty to discuss and draft an overarching chapter based outline of the history harvest concept. Through discussion and consultation, I determined the best possible approach was a timeline  based narrative that walked through the entire project. To help a student understand the nature, themes, and responsibility involved in a history harvest, the brochure outlines each step of the process. The first chapter discusses everything that occurs before the Harvest itself. Here students will understand the responsibilities of planning effectively while conceptualizing the strategic aim of the event. Secondly, it emphasizes the important role the community historian plays in the creation process; the community historian is responsible for securing a location and spreading awareness to the community about the upcoming event. For these things to occur, students must weigh the historical signifi

 Week One: Introductions and Research Goals Introductions      Hello! My name is Carson Maschmeier and I am a second year graduate student at the University of Central Florida on the Public History track. I'm thrilled to be continuing my work this semester working with UCF faculty and Dr. Scot French on the continuation and evolution of UCF's History Harvest model. I've spent the past two years working with the Veterans History Project and the Hungerford School project, working with residents from all across Central Florida to capture their memory and preserve their stories for future generations. My work brings me so much joy, and I'm so excited to continue it this summer. Conceptualizing the "History Harvest": Goals and Outcome      The History Harvest's origins have been debated throughout the field of Public History, but ultimately I believe it's roots are heavily based in one of the original public history projects of the digital age: Ed Ayer'