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Hayden Johnson
Professor Daine Davis
English-121-307/308
Due November 26
Are Historical Practices Becoming History?
History as a field is one that will be around until the species that are related to that history
have ceased to exist. For generations the tales, art, and events of yesteryear have been
documented and passed on for the future to make sense of, but in how this information is
analyzed and presented is ever changing. Thanks to the advent of new technologies we have
profoundly transformed the field of historical research by expanding the possibilities for
historical inquiry and enriched the discipline of conducting research and archiving data.
One of the most significant developments in historical research is the emergence of
digital archives and databases. Historians can now access a wealth of sources online, from
digitized manuscripts to government records and newspapers. Projects like the Digital Public
Library of America have centralized access to historical documents, enabling researchers to
explore vast collections that were previously confined to physical libraries. The Digital Public
Library of America was first launched on April 18, 2013 by Robert C. Darnton and Harvard
University's Berkman Center for Internet and Society with the financial support from the Alfred
P. Sloan Foundation as well as additional funding from multiple government agencies. Darton
started this program with the idea that knowledge should not be exclusive, “In my view, the
Harvard library is so great that it’s a national asset,” Darnton says. “We wanted to reach out to
say it’s meant for American citizens and not just college professors.”
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With all this information grouped in one easy to reach place it not only benefits the public
but specialists as well. Beforehand research was a rather time-consuming task that at the most
professional levels required travel over countries. With the delegation of digital archives not only
is information only a click away so too are other specialists. Although some remain hesitant,
after all how could all these public databases be safe with the advent of misinformation? Despite
the threats to cybersecurity the practice of writing history has remained largely unchanged. New
technologies have not influenced the foundational books and articles that shape historical
research. While other academic fields have engaged in extensive debates about the impact of
electronic media on writing, the historical profession has largely remained unaffected. This is
due to the massive amount of information from many different cultural angles, it is very difficult
to spread misinformation with so many concrete resources containing agreed on dates and times.
Another powerful tool that was created for analyzing and visualizing spatial data is
Geographic Information System (GIS) software, a versatile technology that allows individuals
and organizations to map and analyze specific geographic areas. GIS has been around since 1969
when it was invented by Dr. Roger Tomlinson, who after a brief stint in the military sought to
make it easier for army forces to map and detail areas more easily. GIS enables users to ross-
reference a wide range of data from various sources, helping them to draw meaningful
connections about the relationships between physical features and human activity in a given
region. This makes GIS an invaluable resource for historians and historical recreations.
An example of GIS in action can be found in its use by the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Ocean Service. GIS is used to map the paths of
natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, or flooding. By analyzing historical data and
current weather patterns the GIS software is able to track the signs of said natural disasters and
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reveal patterns that can be useful in reducing damages to property. In addition to its use in
disaster management, GIS is also making significant contributions in the field of historical
research. Historians use GIS software to accurately reconstruct various historical sites, such as
ancient settlements and battlefields. This is accomplished by inputting various sets of data like
historical maps, excavation data, and written records.
As GIS technology continues to evolve, so does our ability to handle more complex and
larger sets of data. The software's ability to process high-resolution imagery, vivid real-time data,
and perform sophisticated spatial analysis means that professionals are able to make more
accurate predictions and offer increased insight in the quality of data interpretation as well as the
ability to create incredibly simple and comprehensive presentations. Altogether GIS and digital
archives have dramatically transformed how historians record and interact with historical data.
By digitizing records and creating maps, these advanced technologies allow historians to interact
with large sets of data in ways that were previously unimaginable, however, despite the many
advantages these inventions bring there are still significant concerns, particularly regarding
efficiency and data preservation.
One of the main issues that historians face in the digital age is the long term stability of
the systems that store this information. While these new technologies provide a critical
improvement to recording and compiling, there are many historians that worry about the
potential loss of data due to the rapidly changing landscape of technology. With every new
software update or system upgrade, older formats and systems become obsolete. This creates a
real risk of valuable historical records becoming inaccessible or corrupted, effectively leading to
the erasure of important pieces of history. In contrast physical archives are more tangible and are
seen as more permanent, with well-established procedures for their conservation.
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For example, physical maps and documents are subject to preservation methods such as
climate-controlled storage, deacidification treatments, and careful handling protocols designed to
extend their lifespans. These methods have been developed and perfected over the course of
centuries and can significantly mitigate the risk of physical degradation making them a reliable
means of preserving history. But even with all these factors these conservation practices are not
permanent and will still lead to degradation. Over time, physical materials will still deteriorate
due to factors like accidents and pests, even something as simple as handling historical pieces
will lead to wear and tear. But the main challenge with physical preservation is that these
methods are incredibly expensive and time consuming.
Digital methods however, present a more reliable alternative in terms of storage and cost
efficiency. While there are concerns about data corruption or obsolescence, digital archives take
up far less physical space making them a more efficient way to store and manage information.
Additionally, digital data can be duplicated and stored across multiple secure locations,
mitigating the risk of losing data to corruption. The costs associated with maintaining digital
archives are generally lower than the expenses involved in physical preservation, the cost of
maintaining digital servers costs around $200-$1000 a month, while the cost of preserving
physical artifacts can cost upwards of $50,000 a month. This makes digital methods a more
sustainable and efficient solution for large-scale historical data management.
Ironically, history may be more compatible with digital technology than any other
humanistic discipline. Developments in the field, unrelated to computers, have created a scenario
where the benefits of technology can seem essential. Simultaneously advancements in
information technology have opened up new ways to engage with the past. These new tools
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appear perfectly suited for history, aligning well with the increasing complexity of our practice
and offering efficient means to reach broader and more diverse audiences.
The development of new mediums for which to archive historical data are among some of
the most important and influential innovations of the past century. Granting not only specialists,
but the general public the ability to research and assemble data with such ease allows the entire
human race to use our past, to prolong our future.
Works Cited:
Ayers, Edward. The Past and Futures of Digital History. University of Virginia, 1999
http://www.vcdh.virginia.edu/PastsFutures.html
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Crymble, Adam. Technology and the Historian: Transformations in the Digital Age.
University of Illinois press, 2021
ERIS Home/What is GIS/Overview. https://www.esri.com/en-us/what-is-gis/overview
The Digital Public Library of America. https://dp.la/
Whitebloom, Kenny.. Berkman Center for Internet and Society. 2012
https://web.archive.org/web/20130718052151/https://cyber.law.harvard.edu/node/7946