Story Map

Mapping and spatial visualization is the convergence between history and geography. These maps revealed the distance traveled by the authors of the memoirs; we get a better picture of their actual journeys. With the spotlight on locations, there was a focus on where these people spent their time. We can use maps and spatial thinking to help us understand the complexities and nuances of history by narrowing in on the location. “Spaces are not simply the setting for historical action but are a significant product and determinant of change.” (Bodenhamer 16) Mapping Esther Latrobe’s memoir revealed more detail about her life’s journey. StoryMap JS helped me “to develop interactive systems, and to explore space and place dynamically- in effect, to create virtual worlds embodying what we know about space and place.” (Bodenhamer 24) Maps are a great visual aid that allows us to  actually see where Esther moved in her life. I can see how far she actually traveled and how close or far away each place was in relation to each other. For example, Tytherton and Gracehill are very far from each other, so I was surprised that Esther didn’t elaborate on her travels. With the lack of airplanes, cars, etc it must have been a long and fascinating journey. Learning more about the places she lived also helped me get a better understanding of her life. She didn’t move around too much, but every significant place she lived in was tied to her faith and the Moravians. I created story points at the four places Esther lived during her life. The first was her birthplace: Bristol, England, which was a bustling port city that thrived from tobacco and the slave trade. Next was Tytherton, England, which was a small town in England founded by Moravians. Next was Gracehill, Ireland, which is a famous Moravian settlement and is known for their school and superior education. And finally there was Ayr, Scotland, which was another prosperous port city. Esther was drawn here because her husband was called to the service of the congregation in Ayr; yet another example of movement due to her Moravian ties. While significant events in her life occurred at all of these places, the places themselves were also growing and changing. “They are not passive settings but the medium for the development of culture. All spaces contain embedded stories based on what has happened there. These stories are both individual and collective, and each of them link geography (space) and history (time).” (Bodenhamer 16) Half of the places Esther lived in were thriving port cities and the other half were very popular and well known amongst her network of people in the Moravian community.

[iframe src=”https://uploads.knightlab.com/storymapjs/6540fcc608e11b3a95c6817901262cee/ester-latrobes-life/index.html” frameborder=”0″ width=”100%” height=”800″][/iframe]