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 significance of the community and the projects feasibility. 

Chapter two addresses the event itself, highlighting leadership roles and procedures administered throughout the day. This section will detail numerous objectives like attitude, task specific instructions, and documentation. A history harvest typically consists of three teams, each responsible for different aspects of the day. The front desk team greets each participant, building relationship and collecting paperwork before handing them off to another team for processing. The oral his
tory team conducts interviews and builds relationship before, during and after the interview. The processing team processes artifacts and other donated materials, cataloging them and creating a basic description to aid archivists in processing collections. As weeks go on, more will be detailed for each role as I discuss each stage of the writing process. The last chapter will consist of a guide explaining the preservation process, effectively teaching students how to take materials and archive them in a manner that allows others to access it and procure it. This module will consist of videos via QR code and documentation break downs, explaining each step of the way. 

Pitching a Harvest: Debary's Historical Preservation Committee 

On another note, this week I had the honor of meeting with Debary’s historical preservation council to discuss the potential history harvest opportunity with the older community of Debary. After discussion, we agreed to host an event together on July 8th, inviting all residents of Debary to bring artifacts and their stories to be shared. The historical preservation council pitched unique ideas for the display and continued discussion of their primary sources, leading a history harvest to give them exposure and sources for consideration. More will come in the preparation weeks as we continue to prepare for it.