Doing History in the 21st century: Diving into the Digital Archives

Improvements in digitizing and uploading centuries-old documents have afforded more researchers than ever the ability to dig into mysteries of the past. This hands-on, interactive workshop is designed for novice or amateur historians interested in pursuing independent research from the comfort of their own homes. We will first examine how to fine-tune historical research questions; then we will explore methods in identifying, navigating, and sifting through relevant archives. Finally, students will select a document from a digital archive of their choice to either complement their current research interest or kickstart a new project.