Logging History: Students as Archivists

Bell, A. (2003, August 5). Logging history: students as archivists. Eutopia, Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/montanaheritage 

Summary:

Ashley Bell's article dissects the work of Libby, Montana high school students in their Social Studies, History, and English classes centering around capturing the oral histories of their town.  Inspired by the decline in the local logging industry, students realized that much of the culture unique to their environment would be forever lost as loggers moved from the area.  With a desire to capture the culture of the community, a local philanthropist, along with a Library of Congressmen worked to restore community building where students could enhance the arts in the city.  Each year students work with teachers to gather oral histories of community members through the ALERT model; ask, listen, explore, reflect, and tell.  During the tell phase of the project, students use various multimedia to showcase their projects, including PowerPoint and desktop publishing.  A Heritage Day is dedicated to these projects each year where students display their work for the community.  Many students have the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. to present their work, and some of the stories have even been archived in the Library of Congress.

Response: 
As a history major with an emphasis in oral histories I was extremely intrigued by Bell's article.  The students in this small Montana town have recognized the importance of preserving local history and incorporating the stories with national history.  Few students ever receive the opportunity to engage with their local history and the dedication of the teachers to these students seems remarkable.  Investing in the training to capture oral histories, develop projects/presentation, and emphasize the importance of Telling the histories is taxing on both the students, participants and teachers.  However, the work the Libby students have done to consistently maintain the project over the years is not only inspiring, but a reality of what hard work and determination can accomplish.  This article will inspire teachers hoping to achieve similar results with current students, as I know it will with my future students.