American history 2.0

Recently I took part in a “Smithsonian 2.0” conference about the future of the Smithsonian’s digital presence. In attendance were many of my colleagues from other museums and offices around the Institution and a group of invited guests representing some of the foremost thinkers on digital technology in the commercial, educational, and non-profit arenas. Over two days we had opportunities to share prior accomplishments and works-in-progress, dream up new possibilities, and address challenges and obstacles. (You can learn more and see video on the conference site, or follow the conversation on Twitter.)

After spending a morning viewing and evaluating some of the Smithsonian’s current digital projects (including two of our museum’s recent efforts, the new Star-Spangled Banner online exhibition and our History Explorer site for teachers), the outside participants were sent on behind-the-scenes tours of Smithsonian collections. In hindsight, this turned out to be a brilliant move by the conference organizers, and set the tone for the rest of the meeting.

Handball used by Abraham Lincoln. Photo by Bob Kupbens.

I tagged along as one enthusiastic group toured the political history and jazz history collections at our own American History museum. Their sense of excitement at seeing Abraham Lincoln’s handball which he used for recreation, or a manuscript written in the hand of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, was infectious. They delighted in asking questions of our capable curatorial staff and getting a sense of how the museum comes to acquire certain artifacts and how we know what we know about them. Others who went to the National Museum of Natural History told of their marvel as one of their scientists used a chunk of meteorite to, in their words, “tell the story of the universe in five minutes.”

These experiences provided several lessons and reminders. First is the fact that authentic artifacts have a power that will never fully be replaced by their digital facsimiles. But beyond that, the group was collectively energized to figure out how the Smithsonian can, in the words of one participant, “bottle up the experience” of exploring the storage cabinets in the presence of both knowledgeable guides and fellow enthusiasts. Of course, relatively few will ever have the privilege of doing so in person, but technology can approximate the experience for millions of users. This will involve a continued commitment to providing digital information, tools, and experiences in both adequate quantity and quality, while maximizing limited resources. Indeed, many argue that we must do this to remain relevant in the 21st century.

This blog is just one of our efforts to reach out in new ways. You can also now access the museum via Twitter, Flickr, Facebook, and YouTube. What else do you think we should be doing to extend the museum experience to virtual visitors?

Matthew MacArthur is Director of New Media at the National Museum of American History.

Comments

[Bruce Falk]

Great article and follow-up to SI 2.0, Matt. Personally, I think that SI should invest in developing and promulgating free web tools compatible with standard commercial online services which allow users to exploit, explore, and expand the collections, research, and publications (including lay-oriented publications such as exhibit text).

These tools should also be shared throughout the museum and nonprofit communities via GNU licenses on open source communities like Omeka so that standards can be built upon and extended in the most resource-conscious way. Everything should begin from standardized, modular bases. SI has the resources, knowledge, and bully pulpit to lead the way to such an initiative.

[Leonard]

Recently the Dish Network dumped the SMITH channel from this area (California). My heart is broken. I especially miss the episodes from "Inside the Vaults." (Did I get that right?) Any way to move some of what was on TV to this web sight. I'm also very interested in automotive history. But all I've ever seen here is that Ford station wagon. You must have more.

Leonard

[Eric Langhorst]

Thanks post Matt. As an 8th grade history teacher in Liberty, Missouri who uses a variety of web 2.0 applicaitons in my classroom I am really excited to see what the Museum of American History is doing to reach out. I had added your blog to my reader and will continue to check out your contributions on other web 2.0 applications.

I recently commented on your blog in a podcast and blog post : http://speakingofhistory.blogspot.com/2009/02/podcast-175-smithsonian-museum-of.html

Thanks for all your efforts.

Eric

[Matthew MacArthur]

@Leonard: Have you visited our "America on the Move" Web site?
http://americanhistory.si.edu/onthemove
It includes lots of auto history (with an emphasis on the social impact) and you can use the collection search to see a number of vehicles in the collection.

@Eric: Thanks so much for your kind comment and blog post. It is encouraging to know that we are reaching people like you and providing something useful.

[Gary Davis]

Great post Matt! I love the Smithsonian Institute and the American History Museum, having first visted them as a ten year old boy with my parents. Hopefully, the SI will continue to expand its digital presence to the American public.

[Paul Molholm]

Hey Leonard! Thanks for the post. Another great way to access info about our automotive collections is to use our History Explorer website. http://historyexplorer.americanhistory.si.edu/
Use a keyword seach such as car or automobile and it will take you directly to great resources. Thanks for the interest!

[David Lawson]

As an 8th grade history teacher in Liberty, Missouri who uses a variety of web 2.0 applications in my classroom I am really excited to see what the Museum of American History is doing to reach out.

[Paul F Davis]

The Smithsonian never ceases to amaze me!

Thanks for being progressive and wholeheartedly committed to developing and digitizing your collections to best serve the academic community and preserve our most precious history for posterity.

Paul F Davis

[Shadow]

As a museum buff, being able to see museums is not always easy since traveling to them isn't always a possibility. Been to the Smithsonian once in my life and didn't have nearly enough time there. Since I am on the west coast, chances of getting back are slim to none. Having more options like this is the next best thing!

[Tim Williams]

Thank you for a great article! My son loves the chances we get to visit museums in person, but they are becoming less and less frequent. This is exciting because it gives an additional opportunity to share more experiences with him while balancing the demands of life and time constraints. Keep up the great work!

[azscales]

Creating a virtual experience for people to explore the treasures in our museums is something that should be more readily available today, considering advances in technology. The real estate market has introduced this concept quite vigorously. Taking a virtual tour of a new home is very convenient. Doing the same for our national collections would be wonderful.

[sooksan]

Creating a virtual experience for people to explore the treasures in our museums is something that should be more readily available today

[Retta]

I know what you mean about artifacts having power. I visited Pompei and the artifacts there were extremely powerful. I have tried to explain it to people, but I know they don't get it. I think they would if they actually viewed them.

[Lisa Reed]

The Smithsonian is just the greatest!!! Keep up the good work.

[cinsel ilişki]

Thanks for being progressive and wholeheartedly committed to developing and digitizing your collections to best serve the academic community and preserve our most precious history for posterity.

[pj]

I think it's a great idea to digitize some the Smithsonian's exhibits. Some people will never get to make it to the actual museum, but would be able to view the artifacts on their computer.

[Steve at Cuttingedge History]

I'm concerned with the focus of the museum's efforts. The Smithsonian has a literal treasure trove of artifacts that could be of tremendous use to researchers, as well as the general public. The archives alone would be priceless. I was worried that when my wife and I recently visited the reopened museum there was a tremendous "wow" factor, but little context for the artifacts. Is it possible to both inspire and teach? That's what we're trying to do.

Keep up the great work though. Whatever my critique, it should not take away from the wonderful work done thus far.

[Mike Starks]

I Agree, The use of technology such as a virtual tour for the general public would be awesome. I am in the Real Estate business and can tell you making a virtual tour is not that hard but the pay offs are great.

[Christina Catana]

As someone from Toronto who is planning a visit to the museums in DC, this is great news. I wouldn’t have thought to look the Smithsonian up on facebook or youtube… but I will now. I’m sure these digital experiences will complement my physical visit. Thank you!

[Larry]

I believe it to be of great educational value for your children and young people to experience first hand our national heritage though visual tours on the internet. By far the majority of people both young and old will never get to see it. However, the use of a computer connected to the internet is easy to obtain to use.

[Greg]

I'm amazed at the benefits of social media sites enabling people to connect to just about anything. I hope to be visiting the Smithsonian soon and I would have never thought to look them up on Facebook or Twitter. Thanks for the information.

[Michael V]

Being from Australia I wasn't even aware that I could visit the Smithsonian online. I will be doing just that once I finish this comment.

I've always wanted to see everything that's there but have not made it to the US just yet. This will probably wet my appetite even more so to make it there one day.

Well done for bringing the Smithsonian to the world.

[James]

The Smithsonian forever!!! Please, tell me more!!

[Paul Thomas]

Matt,
It is so true that digital facsimiles will never replace the real thing, I think they allow me to absorb a lot more information in a short period of time.
There will never be a substitute to the feeling I remember getting when I first touched the asteroid in the Smithsonian or stood next to the Apollo 11 capsule. However, visiting the site and exploring the collections is not only educational, but also brings back great memories

[Jason]

Social Media is just so cool! I would have never thought about seeing the Smithsonian through Facebook and Twitter