The American West: Dust Bowl and Beyond
This exhibit explores the travels of two Minnesota State University, Mankato professors at two different points in history. In 1936, George J Miller, professor of Geography at what was then Mankato State Normal School, travelled through the American West to document the Dust Bowl and its effects on the landscapes of the region. In 1996, Martin Mitchell, also a professor of Geography, embarked on the same journey to document the region 60 years later. While both of their projects could be their own exhibit, this project aims to explore the similarities and comparisons between Miller and Mitchell's work. Both projects are displayed with their own timeline individually, as well as being displayed together through an interactive story map.
A lush wheat field bordered by vegetation and forest. A tractor can be seen in the distance, with a cloud of dust and grain following it.
An expansive field stripped of topsoil, with sparse, dried vegetation spread throughout.
The purpose of this archival research project is to provide students with an applied, hands-on introduction to archival principles and practices in a university archives setting. A core goal of the project is to contribute meaningfully to the preservation and accessibility of university history through research, digitization, and digital exhibit development.
Students will engage in assigned videos, reflective writing, discussions with archives supervisors, and technical skill development. Key components of the experience include archival research, metadata creation, digital storytelling, and public-facing exhibit creation using platforms such as Omeka S and Knight Lab tools (Timeline and StoryMap), and GIS tools. Students will synthesize historical research into accessible digital formats and are encouraged to share their work with the broader campus community.