PROPOSAL TYPE
Structured Conversation
SEEKING
- Seeking General Feedback and Interest
- Seeking Additional Presenters
RELATED TOPICS
- Advocacy
- Memory
- Oral History
- Reflections on the Field
ABSTRACT
In this session, we will consider how we, as public history makers, and the field as a whole, have told stories and written history either with subjects as co-writers/participants or in highly collaborative modes that defy traditional and/or solo author/researcher approaches. Co-presenters will share short, lightning-talk style presentations with examples of projects, initiatives, works-in-progress, or lessons learned to help others planning to embark on collaborative research, writing, or creative projects. Audience participation will be highly encouraged as half of the session will consist of structured conversation on this topic.
DESCRIPTION
Presenter contributions might take the form of including but not limited to case studies, ongoing projects/works in progress, prospective initiatives, or methods/best practices. Stories of success and especially failure are welcome. Presenters who identify as librarians, archivists, community organizers, or other roles outside of typical public historian roles are most welcome.
Think “lightning talk” not panel presentations. Prospective co-presenters should be open to constructive criticism and creative constraints with their presentation style as this moderator/convener seeks to create an unusually engaging and participatory session.
Feedback is welcome on this idea as a whole as are self-nominations or ideas for co-presenters.
If you have a direct offer of assistance, sensitive criticism, or wish to pass along someone’s contact information confidentially, please get in contact directly: A.M. Alpin, [email protected]
ALL FEEDBACK AND OFFERS OF ASSISTANCE SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY JULY 10, 2024. If you have general ideas or feedback to share, please feel free to use the comments feature below.
I love this idea!! This panel speaks to one of the main imperatives of public history–that we figure out modes for co-creative story telling. Can you share an example from your own work as inspiration for other potential participants in this session?
Thanks for this feedback, Kirsten! I can definitely share my own example to get things going…and I’m hoping to add additional presenters who will do so with their lightning talks and to leave plenty of time for conversation with attendees.
This is a great way for several people to get feedback on their projects, I think a good way to encourage constructive criticism is to make sure every presenter end their lightning talk with something they already know they should fix. Something like, “My project definitely needs x or y, but besides those things, I’m looking for any other feedback people are willing to provide.” This icebreaker helps people feel more comfortable with finding the flaws in other scholar’s work, especially if they don’t know anyone in the session.
Thanks so much for comment, Emma! We are definitely planning to share our failures/faux pas as lessons learned for completed projects…and I love the idea of further discussion about fixes needed for anyone sharing a work-in-progress.