Gaining proficiency in Omeka as a digital tool has been an enlightening experience and has enabled me to exercise creative skills that I have not used in some time. The sessions in the course History 7450 Digital Tools have facilitated the development of fundamental skills with new technological platforms and provided opportunities to explore the application of public history for both scholarly and community engagement.

The research conducted to complete this project employed a variety of digital tools/sites. I utilized HathiTrust, Newspapers.com, the Smithsonian Institution, the Architect of the Capitol, the Historical Marker Database, and numerous art auction sites to locate primary and secondary sources. Of particular importance to my research were Newspapers.com and the Smithsonian Institution Research Information System (SIRIS). Newspapers.com proved to be the most dependable resource for information regarding the unveiling and support of monuments. SIRIS supplied comprehensive and consistent information regarding the materials employed and descriptions of various monuments. 

The utilization of visualization has been of considerable significance to me in this project. Viewing the monuments is essential, as it enables the observer to appreciate the artists' skill. In collecting images of artists and monuments from primary and secondary sources, I was introduced to information regarding the art form of sculpture. My exploration of maps within ArcGIS further motivated me to include maps on this page for detailed analysis. The spatial aspect as a feature for exploration allows the monuments to communicate their influence on the physical landscape in the United States. For the artists, these maps illustrate the extent of various cities in Italy from which the artists originated. Considering these elements collectively serves to establish a connection between the two nations. The maps themselves allow the visitor to see the monument as they click on the individual pin, letting them put an image to a name and place, expanding the browse feature below it.

A critical component of this project was enabling visitors to explore items within a single space. Initially, I implemented an Item carousel to maintain a compact environment; however, it did not support the desired method of exploration. After examining various item browse options, I determined that the Browse Preview provided the optimal visibility, with a background that enhanced legibility and a large thumbnail for viewing. Additionally, I aimed to offer visitors an impression of the carvers' environment. To achieve this, I employed video editing software to produce a short clip featuring the sounds of stone carving and conversations among Italian men. This sensory experience fosters a sense of place, allowing visitors to enter a distinctive state of mind. There were issues with the programing and getting the video and audio to work with the three major browsers, specifically Safari. It turns out that Safari does not allow autoplay features with audio implemented, this was easily solved by implementing the "Tap to Enter" button on the Home page.  

The project draws inspiration from the work of Dr. Alessia Martini. Dr. Andrew Maginn referred me to Dr. Martini to assist with research for a broader initiative. As a native of Carrara, Italy, Dr. Martini of Sewanee University maintains profound connections to the project. With educational experiences in both Italy and the United States, Dr. Martini is well-positioned to recognize the links between Italian culture and American society. Through her examination of sites of memory in America created by Italian artists, she has developed expertise in understanding the craftsmanship and materials that underpin memory and history.