Historical Reminiscents

Who needs a distraction? I do. I've been spending a lot of time reading recently. These days, reading is one of the few things that can help push my anxiety to the side and keep my mind busy. In today's episode I share what I've been reading recently and recommend some mind occupying reads.

Mentioned in this episode: -Claire Hunter, Threads of Life - Allison H. Fischer-Olson, Claire Perrott' s "The ONWARD Project and Native Voices Interventions in Biased 1930s Archival Collections" -Jon D. Daehnke, . "A Heritage of Reciprocity: Canoe Revitalization, Cultural Resilience, and the Power of Protocol." -Sue Ferentinos, Ways of Interpreting Queer Pasts -Uncanny Magazine

In today's episode I reflect on the work that goes into organizing blog theme weeks or thematic digital series. I talk about my experiences pulling together theme weeks and provide a roadmap for those interested in organizing one.

Mentioned in this episode: -Active History Material Culture Theme Week -Edited with Andrea Eidinger, Beyond the Lecture and the Beyond the Lecture ebook -Edited with Kristin O'Brassill-Kulfan and Nicole Belolan Archives Week on History@Work -Edited with Carly Ciufo, Museums Theme Week on Active History -Archives Theme Week on Active History

In today's episode I'm talking about digitization of VHS tapes, digital preservation, and my recent trials and tribulations of using VCRs. I chat about the labour intensive work behind digitization and the challenges of video preservation.

Mentioned in this episode: -Samantha Thompson, "Why Don't Archivists Digitize Everything?" -National Archives, Video Guidance: Playback and Digitization of Materials"

In today's episode I'm thinking about making space for new opportunities by letting go of old ones. I discuss balancing commitments, knowing when it is time to move on, and changing interests.

Mentioned in this episode: -Thinking Rock Community Arts -Erin Wunker, "Surthrival" on the Hook & Eye blog

I've been working at Algoma University, in the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre, since 2010. That's a decade. In today's episode I'm talking about means to stay at one institution for a long period of time and how to grow within local opportunities.

Mentioned in this episode: -Erin White, "What It Means to Stay"

How does food interest with your understanding of the past? In today's episode I'm talking about food in the archives, historical recipes, and teaching history through food. I'll also be talking about some of my favourite historical cookbook quirks.

Mentioned in this episode: -Sophie Hicks, Active History posts on using food as historical narrative -Madison Bifano, The Horrors of Salmon Pudding - McGill Library Rare Books and Special Collections Cookbooks on the Internet Archive

New year, new podcast episode. I'm starting 2020 by talking about vicarious trauma in the archives and the impact of working with traumatic records on archival staff. I discuss emotional labour and strategies for coping with vicarious trauma in the archives.

Mentioned in this episode: -Katie Sloan, Jennifer Vanderluit, and Jennifer Douglas "Not 'Just My Problem to Handle': Emerging Themes on Secondary Trauma and Archivists" -Julia Holland, Danielle Robichaud, Anna St.Onge, "It's nothing, I'm fine. Acknowledging Emotion and Affect in Archival Practice."

For the last episode of 2019 I'm doing some reflecting, celebrating, and dreaming. I'm talking about some inspirational reads and folks who gave me strength in 2019. I also think a bit about what the upcoming year holds.

Mentioned in this episode: -OE Fellows Program -Amazing people: Andrea Eidinger, Skylee-Storm Hogan -Inspiring Authors and Activists: Gwen Benaway, Alicia Elliott -Podcast joy: Secret Feminist Agenda, Organizing Ideas Podcast

In today's episode I'm focusing on resilience. Resilience can be beautiful. It can be empowering. But it can also be co-opted and used as a systemic tool. Today I'm reflecting on how resilience is often used as a way to encourage productivity and shame those who don't overcome barriers. Can resilience be a bad thing?

Mentioned in this episode: -Katie Aubrecht, "The New Vocabulary of Resilience and the Governance of University Student Life" -How 'Resilience Is Misunderstood When Talking About Racism

Rapid Reads: -CARL Digital Preservation Working Group, Final Report of the Survey on Digital Preservation Capacity and Needs at Canadian Memory Institutions, 2017-2018.

In today's episode I'm talking about the practice of radical vulnerability in professional spaces. I discuss the basics of radical vulnerability, provide examples of what this looks like, and reflect on spaces for safe vulnerability.

Mentioned in this episode: -Karina Haglen on Twitter, also check out their awesome zines. -Alaina Leary, "Here's Why You Need to Practice Radical Vulnerability Online"

Rapid Reads: -Chelsea Miller, From Me Too to systemic cultural change: a public historian's call to action