A People's History of the Twin Ports

I created this piece using primarily using Google Maps. I got most of my images from the Northeast Minnesota History Center. I wanted to embed video, but the current google maps only allows still images. Also all the still images had to be hosted online somewhere. I created umn blog of the original files for solely for this purpose. 

The user can interact with the piece by exploring the Twin Ports in a new historical context. They can choose a point of interest based on location and type of topic.

Screenshot

Overall it was a success. One major problem is that I am working with suppressed histories, thus the information out there is minimal. However there are still many more sites I could have add. I'd like to pursue a UROP to expand on this project. 

Final Proposal

Final Project Proposal – Blake Romenesko

The idea I'm most leaning toward is the People's History of the Twin Ports. Where I would create an interactive map showing sites linked to local history of the Anishinaabe, people of color, and the working class. When the user clicks on a site they will see historical images as well as my own photography.

Tools-Google maps is the obvious choice, but I want to look into other interactive map programs. The long term goal would be to create my own interface like the Dijital Pasaj project and even make into a phone app.

Timeline plan of action-

This week I want to get in contact with some people I know. One person I know is well versed in local labor history, another person knows local history about people of color. About six months ago somebody did a presentation at the Duluth Public Library about Anishinaabe sites in Duluth. I think I have the network to find that person. From there determine sites.

Next Week would be to photograph sites and organize map.

3 examples-

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/A-Before-and-After-Look-at-Americas-Great-Cities.html

http://www.worldology.com/Europe/europe_history_lg.htm

http://www.mapsofwar.com/ind/history-of-religion.html

Interactive Media Responses and What-Not

SAM HAGEN'S PEICE
I thoroughly enjoyed Sam Hagen's piece at the Tweed. I interacted with it by deciding which column to stand by which played a different note. Also I played with my distance from the column which caused the note to change pitch. Sam was probably playing with the relation between human and computer. The columns communicated with each other as humans communicate with themselves, which can be commentary on relations.

WILD IDEA

REALISTIC IDEA
I'm actually not sure. Right now I am learning how to code Python which is an app coding language. After I finish my Codacademy lesson(I'm about 1/3 done) I can see what skill I possess to create something in my skill range. 

Pumpkins

Here's some pumpkins that were carved at my house this year:

I made the top one which is says Love > $. The next one down was made by this guy staying at my house named Michael. He named his pumpkin "Vamp Jenkins," and he partially scooped out on inside under the eyes to make it look like it was blushing. The last one was made by Justin. It's a lazy version of the IWW symbol. 

I bought them super cheap from this old guy who sells produce from the back of his truck. He also sold me six squash for $5. 

Links

How to get leap app development kit.
https://www.leapmotion.com/developers

How to learn basic coding
http://www.codecademy.com/dashboard