Tech T.I.P. – August 27, 2009

A Little Inspiration
by Denise Olson

In case you haven't noticed at the Graveyard Rabbit of Moultrie Creek, I spend a lot of time in our local national cemetery.  There are many reasons for this.  One is the fact that it's just a few steps away from my office.  Another might have something to do with my military background.  Most of all, it's because there's all kinds of fascinating history to be found there.  It's history began when Florida became a United States territory and continues through the Vietnam war.  There are all kinds of heroes buried here and more than a few interesting "characters."  And, while most of the grave markers are the basic military-issue design, there are several very unique monuments to the people buried here.

One of my favorite research tools for the national cemetery is the Index-Guide to the St. Augustine National Cemetery published by the Florida Department of Military Affairs.  It is an amazing document, providing not only an index to the graves found in this cemetery, but also a lot of historical and anecdotal information about the people buried here and their military units.  This publication is more like a scrapbook than a transcribed index.  For example, on the page listing several members of the 33rd Regiment, U.S. Colored Infantry, the author, Robert Hawk, also included a brief history of the 33rd.  James McCormack, a British seaman, gets a description of the circumstances that led to his burial here along with a photo of the funeral formation and a news clipping in the British press.  Throughout this fascinating document, Hawk has included unit histories, images of insignia, news clippings, and other items to document the stories behind the stones.  Although it's seriously lacking in design, this document would fit the definition of a scrapbook.

We Rabbits are creating an electronic scrapbook in our efforts to document the history of our local graveyards and their inhabitants.  By offering cemetery histories, biographical sketches, photos, interactive maps, and other facts, we are building a huge network of multimedia presentation that helps bring the stories of these fascinating places to life.  We offer essays on funerary customs and we serve as advocates for the preservation of these historic places. 

Technology gives us several advantages over the traditional scrapbook.  First is accessibility.  There are only a few copies of my favorite index (although I am working to see it gets digitized) and since it was "published" on a copy machine, the quality leaves a bit to be desired.  Then there's searchability.  I'd much rather let Google do the walking than my fingers or my tired old feet.  Don't forget linkability either.  A simple link gives our readers instant access to reference material, original documents, and many other types of content now available in the digital world.

So, what does this have to do with tech tips?  It's a big pat on the back for all of us in our efforts so far and a rally cheer to encourage everyone to continue on.  Keep on telling the stories and posting the photos.  Digitize everything you can legally get your hands on.  Provide links to existing resources.  Take advantage of platforms like Flickr (photos), Scribd (documents), Find-a-Grave, and WeRelate to expand your reach.  Continue to redefine the term "association" by showing that it doesn't take bricks and mortar and by-laws to build a vibrant community dedicated to a cause.  I am constantly inspired by my fellow Rabbits and honored to be included as a member of this fascinating and fun organization.

Source:

Florida. National Cemetery, St. Augustine, Florida: Index-Guide, Preliminary Report. Special archives publication, no. 44. St. Augustine, Fla: State Arsenal, 1988.