The final week of the summer saw the accumulation of the work done by myself and other interns at the Internship showcase.
The showcase was a great way to learn about the work of other interns. Even among those within the same project I was surprised to learn about what other tasks they had been working on. For example, within VHP there was someone who focused more on transcribing interviews. I found the process he had to go through very interesting as well as the challenges he had while analyzing multiple interviews. Additionally, it was exciting to learn about different types of research. This extended to those who worked with artifacts, within museums, or utilizing digital tools. One of my favorite presentations was regarding Greenwood cemetery where a digital walking tour was being developed. This is something I would like to try in the future for my own personal research. Then, in regards to my own presentation, I had a great time sharing my experiences with investigating Baker County. Preparing for the presentation was fun and another great way to collaborate with other interns. Initially, when preparing for the presentation I was worried that I may not have enough to talk about. However, after preparing the PowerPoint I realized that the opposite was true, and it was almost as if there was not enough time to talk about all that I had learned through this experience.
Working with the Veterans History Project through the Olustee team provided vital perspective. It reinvigorated my interest in public history. Having such a poignant story left unresolved and nearly forgotten really resonated with me. Other experiences like conducting oral histories on story day illustrated to me the value of veterans telling their stories. That day I saw how they lit up at others expressing interest in their service or just being able to reflect upon it. Subsequently, this experience allowed me to see Olustee in a different life. It made me think further about how those soldiers went into battle ready to defend their country, yet their own stories remain untold. Untold not due to ignorance or lack of knowledge, but instead lack of action. This reality is my biggest takeaway from my work with Olustee. The fact that the project is not one of only awareness, but also action. It is centered on motivating people to care and support actual steps towards recognition for these soldiers. I remember during my visit to Baker County posing a question to Dr. Gannon. I asked if it was worse that people did not know about such a tragedy at all or that they knew but did nothing. After my time spent this summer I can say it is much worse when there is knowledge of injustice but nothing is done. I am glad that my small role in the larger project of Olustee has cemented steps forward in correcting this injustice. I greatly look forward to developments in the fall and to bringing these valiant soldiers home.
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