After researching archival artifacts that have been changed by digital humanities, I have become more aware that our ways of researching historical artifacts are progressing so much.
I have learned while researching that one of the benefits of creating a digital artifact from archival document is that it becomes accessible to everyone, instead of one or just a few people. People no longer need to travel long distances to see a historical artifact, instead it is at our fingertips. One example in the artifact collection I have searched through is Jane Austen’s fiction manuscripts. So much of her incredible work and manuscripts were spread out all over the world making it difficult for people to appreciate them. Fortunately, with our technological advances, the digital edition has become available and almost anyone is able to read them. It allows people to have access all different types of rare work so easily, which is amazing.
Although there are many advantages and perks of historical artifacts becoming digitalized, there are also disadvantages as well. One main disadvantage includes the loss of true meaning and importance of the rare, historical artifact. In many cases, there is a significance behind traveling to a specific place to see a famous historical artifact. Seeing the artifact in person is a different experience, which may impact one to view the artifact differently. Also, if the artifact is so easily accessible, then the value may decrease and people may not have as strong of a love and desire for the piece of work. Another advantage of digitalizing that is present in the Jane Austen’s work is transcription; side by side one can read the original version while also seeing it transcribed, which brings a sense and feeling of the original document.
transcribed. As you can see, it is a lot easier to
read and understand the text.
Another archive that I enjoyed researching was “Database of Indigenous People in North America”. I believe that an artifact like this has many advantages to when digitalized. It is a form of visual learning. It this project specifically, it located the important places where people use to settle. This form helps allow people to learn about history of this time period without having to read long, detailed articles. It also offered pictures, which is helps the audience feel more interested and involved with the history at this time.
I believe that as technology is advancing and progressing, so is digitalizing important, historical artifacts. Speaking from personal experience, it seems that more of the population are interacting with textual material on screen more than page. I hypothesize that is because it is easier/ more accessible than going to a library and searching for relatable books, etc. I think that it is positive change that will affect so much of the population. For example, students who are writing research papers are now able to access artifacts that will benefit their work. Digitization also allows a more in-depth research process, while also being shown so many new historical events and moments that may be of one’s interest. This being said, I do believe many people use digitalize materials to supplant and replace physical originals because the majority of the population doesn’t have the recourses able to see the original artifacts. But, like I stated before, I believe that there is a stronger emotional connection when viewing the original artifact.
Paige Whitney is a sophomore at Bucknell University. She is from Darien, CT. She is undeclared, but has interests in psychology, management, and economics.
