How do I create a heritage project for Ottawagraphy?
Heritage projects can cover any number of subjects and formats, so it is best to determine an idea or a starting point, such as an aspect of heritage you wish to promote. Once you have the idea and research materials it is just a matter of thinking about how you want to present the information, and working with CHOO/COPO to develop the project for the web.
We will offer guidance in determining the scope of your project, we will connect you with other groups and individuals who are conducting similar research, have similar goals, or are working on a similar project, and we will work with you to determine the best method for developing and displaying your project.
Projects can be very simple to develop. Take advantage of the strengths of your organization and don’t make the project more difficult than it needs to be. Consider the following questions before you begin:
What research or material have you already developed?
Use existing materials and develop them for the web. For example, you could re-tool an educational program, audio tour or guided tour, exhibit, lecture, or article. If you have a large amount of research completed on a subject, you can save yourself a lot of time and effort by using the existing research instead of starting from scratch.
What resources does your organization have?
Whether it is your archives and research materials, staff or volunteers, collections or educational programs, or funding opportunities, it is important to recognize the resources available to you when deciding on the scope of your project. Take advantage of your existing resources, and be realistic when setting your expectations. Consider tasking a staff person or volunteer as the dedicated lead for working on the project, set realistic deadlines, and build it into your annual plan to undertake one project or one project page per year.
What are your goals in producing a heritage project?
Are you looking to expand your audience? Connect with the public? Are you looking for more information on a topic, from the general public or from the wider heritage community? Are you looking to increase the visitors to your site? Raise awareness on a specific heritage topic or provide educational tools for teachers?
Who do you want to reach?
Ottawagraphy reaches a wide audience, but you can tailor your project to reach a specific demographic such as youth, educators, families, researchers, other community groups, cultural groups or heritage groups, or the general public.
How do you want visitors to engage in the project? Are there ways in which technology could enhance the project and its goals?
Depending on the type of project you are developing, the audience you wish to reach, and the aspect of heritage you wish to promote, you will choose a different project type. For example, if you are promoting built heritage, you might want to create a walking tour or a “Then & Now” comparison of images rather than an online exhibit. Consider the options and methods you can use to best present your information and engage visitors. CHOO/COPO will work with you to determine the best option.
Examples of Project Types: Online Exhibit; Walking Tour; Crowd-sourcing project; “How-To” or information-sharing projects; Educational program or game; Heritage Geocache; Historic photo gallery; “Then & Now” comparison; Audio, video, or multimedia projects; Projects that use the web to connect with or interpret physical spaces; any other ideas that promote heritage awareness.
Now that you have your idea, contact CHOO/COPO to discuss options for the development of your project and training for you or your staff and volunteers. You can reach us using the project submission form.
