[MassHistPres] Abington turns 300 June 10, 2012

[Lee Wright]

What a great idea--and a great opportunity for a community project.

Rather than hiring someone, why not invite people in Abington and others around the world who have a connection to Abington contribute their own story or that of their parents or grandparents.  This might include text, a scan of a letter or photo, or an audio or video interview.  You could use a wiki platform, and I'll bet you'll find volunteers in the community who will help others, both through a workshop, as well as online

In so doing, you'll capture the stories of the people, not just of the town as a legal entity, and it's certainly the stories that are the most compelling.

Other advantages:

- Very inexpensive
- No technical skills needed; no software or hardware to buy--As with so many tools today, you could use a hosted solution
- Unlimited number of "pages," with support of images, audio, and video
- No cost for printing, yet the result is available to anyone anywhere
- Remains a living "document"
- Great PR value for the community and the commission


If you're concerned about the technical skills of some of the older folks, they can simply sit down with their grandchild and record a video or audio interview, which can be uploaded and transcribed later if desired, or provide them with photos and letters to scan.

If there's the desire to have a printed version, you can either go to a traditional printer or use Amazon (or others) who would provide it as a print-on-demand document.  If there's the desire for something glossy without the upfront cost of a traditional printer, turn to Blurb (blurb.com, or others) and produce a book with highlights or different "slices" of the information in a customized book.

Good luck with your project--

Lee

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Lee Wright  |  Marlborough  |  469-233-7712




On Nov 30, 2011, at 10:05 AM, RobynBFernald at aol.com wrote:

> Abington is celebrating 300 years in 2012. Events and fundraiser's are already in the works. The Abington Historical Commission would like to leave a legacy to the Town. There has been no recorded/documented history since 1912 or earlier presenting itself with a very large void. As a Commission it is most difficult to locate data and research particulars and generals. Can the historical community guide us to a "historian" who is willing to gather, write and produce a Abington History 1912-2012 Book?
>  
> This is only the beginning of our journey but any recommendations or insights will be greatly appreciated.
>  
> Thanks
> Robyn B Fernald
> Chair of the Abington Historical Commission
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