
Libraries Virtual Homecoming: Mapping OHIO Memories and the History of Student Expression
People love to share memories with each other, which is why for over a century OHIO alumni have returned to Athens for Homecoming celebrations like the Saturday morning parade, the afternoon football game, and in recent years, the Librariesā annual Homecoming display, which is filled with archival materials spanning back to the 19th century.

But this year, the display is going virtual with the premiere of āā and āā beginning October 5 on the .
āWith all the protests that have been going on in the country lately, we thought the presentation would be timely,ā said Bill Kimok, University archivist and records manager, who is highlighting the digital archives in a video detailing OHIOās history of student expression.
Kimok explained, āThe University still encourages free expression on campus, but believes there are ways to do this so it does not hinder what else we are trying to get accomplished.ā
Additionally on October 8 at 7 p.m., the Libraries is hosting a live Q&A with Erin Wilson, digital imaging specialist & lab managerāand creator of the Mapping Memoriesā interactive map, and Bill Kimok creator of the student expression video, along with a quick preview of their recorded presentations. The event is freeā to receive an online āinvitation to attend.ā
Since the pandemic began, University Librariesā archivists and librarians have been working on ways to virtually capture the spirit of Homecomingāand āā is that vehicle. Using the interactive map, alumni and students can āpinā their favorite OHIO memories, share storiesāor respond to other Bobcat memories.
āOne of my favorite things to do at [] Homecoming display is to watch and observe what people do. Often, people will talk with anyone around themā¦.about events they recognize because of an item or two that they had seen in the display,ā explained Kimok. āSo, stories get shared [here].ā
āMapping Memoriesā is a safe and fun way to share new online stories during the week-long 2020 Virtual Homecoming (#OHIOHC2020).
āIt was created using ArcGIS mapping software, which is a good demonstration [of how to use] digital tools to showcase and increase the discoverability of the Librariesā collections,ā said Wilson. āEspecially, at a time when in-person events are not a safe option.ā
According to Wilson, the software, accessed via the web, is used widely throughout the world for geographical projects. So, connecting digital archival materials to their locations of origin seemed a logical leap.
In these days when visiting the Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections for research or classroom projects is not an option because of Covid-19, āviewing yearbooks, student newspapers, published magazines, handbooks and scrapbooksāall are still within the click of a mouse,ā said Kimok.
āWe have all this stuff in the Archives [to share],āsaid Kimok. āHow cool is that?ā
For more information contact Jen Harvey, library event coordinator, Erin Wilson or Bill Kimok.