Final Project Update: Mapping Memories

Progress

So far, each member has chosen their desired on-campus objects/monuments, and done a basic level of research and/or recorded wall labels or other small blurbs near each object. We purposefully chose some objects that are very obvious to each student and outside of buildings (such as the sundial outside of Laird), as well as some objects that are more hidden, such as an award stored in the CMC, or a piece of art tucked in Boliou. Sarek created a spreadsheet for us all to compile the known information about each object including location, an image, a small blurb, and links to any existing information

Problems

Many of the problems we have encountered have been problems of availability or existence of information. For example, we had multiple group members interested in the suit of armor on the second floor of Sayles, but there is so little available information on that object. We wanted to ensure that the objects are both meaningful, but also have enough available information for us to be able to display. Some of our group members pivoted, myself included, and actually searched Carleton sites (both the archives and Perlman Teaching Museum) to find more interesting objects.

Tools and techniques

We will be using various techniques to map memories at Carleton. As we are dealing with physical objects, we will be 3D imaging each object (at least the ones that are candidates for this type of imaging). Then, we will be using ArcGIS to map out where each object resides on campus, and creating a StoryMap with information for the viewer. Finally, we will be using WordPress to display each object, like an exhibit. This way, we can embed both 3D renderings of each object, as well as the path of the StoryMap!

Deliverables

We are on track right now in terms of our deadlines. Looking forward to the next week, we will begin creating 3D renderings of our objects, and begin to map out each object on ArcGIS. Our final week will be focused on creating our virtual exhibit, and mending out whatever problems arise. We have all the information for each object, so now our attention can shift to the creation of our DH project!

Personal Notes

Kevin: My primary role is the creation of the website, but we haven’t gotten to the stage in the project yet. As of now, my work has been discussions about the items and my 2 contributions to the list, making sure my objects don’t overlap with a project from a prior class. Remembering those who have passed away is important, so my items reflect that. A bench dedicated to a former student and a statue of Toff the Cat.

Sarek: After we wrote the group charter, I took some time to just walk around campus and find some interesting objects and artifacts around Carleton. I eventually chose two, a piece of art in the Weitz and the sundial outside of Laird Hall. I then started putting together our annotated bibliography of sources. Lastly, I started playing around with the interactive map we’ll use, but I haven’t done anything substantive yet.

Grace: I spent some time walking around campus finding objects that felt personal to me! I chose the Goat Trophy, as it is definitely one of the most prized student-athlete traditions at Carleton, and a piece of art hanging in Boliou, where I spent a lot of time last winter taking ceramics. I since have spent some time re-familiarizing myself with StoryMaps, as I have used it in another class, but wanted to re-acquaint myself so I was not surprised next week when I need to deliver some real products!

Ian: My main focus for this project is 3D modeling all of our objects. I have been able to identify where every object is on campus and have plans to go around scanning them this week. One issue I am worried about running in to is that an object may be inaccessible due to being in a case or perhaps being hung super high up. Additionally, I have chosen my objects and done historical research on them through Carleton’s websites.