When researching goes wrong

In today’s digital age, it is obviously not hard to find information. You can find a photo, video, or text on just about anything. (For example, if I was looking for 330 ways to enjoy toast I would look here.) It’s not finding information that’s difficult, it’s finding the right information that can give you a headache. Possibly one of the most important things to do while researching is to CHECK YOUR SOURCES!

Here at Allaire we have to be extra careful about research. When there are forty volunteers and staff on premises talking about the historic buildings there are bound to be variations in the interpreting. In many cases, the history is passed down to new volunteers through our mentoring programs. So we take extra care in making sure our sources and facts match up.

As much of a hassle internet research is, it can also be pretty funny. For example, a short while ago my colleague Mary and I were researching dance steps of the 1830′s. Here at Allaire we often dance the Virginia Reel, a popular line dance in the early 19th century.

*Reeling*

However, during our quest for additional dances we came across something that is entirely inaccurate (yet awesomely hilarious). (No, we did not make this, you can find it on youtube here) Thus, because I am in a light-hearted mood and because I don’t want you to think museum workers can’t have fun too, I give you…

1800′s Dance Party

*Edit: For some reason it’s not letting me embed the video, so I posted the link above. Blasted technology.

Enjoy,

Hannah

Hello, Blogosphere!

Hello, Blogosphere!

Okay, introductions first. My name is Hannah Tichansky, I’m the Assistant Museum Program and Education Coordinator at The Historic Village at Allaire. I was recently put in charge of internet marketing for our village so I’m currently in the process of introducing our village to the digital age. I’m beyond excited about this but I’m starting to realize this is going to be much more complicated than I originally thought…

Allaire Facebook…check

Allaire Flickr…check

Allaire Twitter…check

Allaire Blog…check (uhhh not so much… :/)

So…plans. I’m planning on getting this blog kicked-off then introducing guest authors to post as well. This will hopefully help preserve my sanity as well as give different perspectives to Allaire Village. Myself and my colleagues are planning on incorporating photos, videos, behind-the-scenes looks, exhibit and historic building features, and meet the villager posts!

Alright, I’m off to learn more about blogging. Please bear with us as we get this thing running smoothly, we have lots of fun ideas that we can’t wait to share with you all! Where am I off to now? The HELP section!

Cheers,

Hannah