September 5, 2014
For Immediate Release
Contact: Lindsey Baker 301-725-7975, 443-670-2283
director@
For Immediate Release
Contact: Lindsey Baker 301-725-7975, 443-670-2283
director@
Wikipedia September at the Laurel Historical Society
Sep 11 & 21, 2014
Laurel, MD. Can you trust information on Wikipedia? Should you? Would you like to be a Wikipedia Editor? The Laurel Historical Society and Wikimedia DC are presenting two days of Wikipedia programs that answer these questions. September 11 the LHS provides a chance to learn more about this informational powerhouse. September 21 it offers hands-on training to become part of this locally important yet international community and the opportunity to contribute new information on Laurel to the site.
THURSDAY, September 11 at 7:00 p.m. presenters from Wikimedia DC and the LHS will explore resources to demonstrate Wikipedia techniques. They will explore what it is, how it works, how to use it effectively, how not to use it, and why it makes sense for a historical society to engage with Wikipedia. Attendees will learn how they can be part of the community that creates, verifies, and edits the local history information that appears on Wikimedia. Newly digitized issues of the Laurel Leader as research examples for local history will also be revealed.
According to LHS Executive Director Lindsey Baker, “Wikipedia is a great place to start research, but sometimes people hesitate to use it as they are unsure of whether they can trust the information. We believe through this programming we can help dispel the myths and reveal just how useful a resource like Wikipedia can be for researchers and organizations like the Historical Society. “
FREE. Laurel Pool Room at 9th & Main Streets. The Laurel Museum, currently featuring “Lost & Found Laurel,” will be open from 6:00-7:00p.m. prior to the program.
SUNDAY, September 21 from 10:15a.m-4:00 p.m. the LHS and Wikimedia DC will hold the second day-long Laurel History Edit-A-Thon. At the all-day event participants will be editing and updating Wikipedia, using their personal expertise and the LHS’ resources. An exciting addition to the LHS Collection, the full set of Laurel Leaders now at the LHS will be incorporated into the day’s program in order to further expand the public’s knowledge of Laurel. Training is provided for novice editors by Wikipedia editors, and experienced editors are also welcome. Participants will receive a behind the scenes tour of the Laurel Research Library and collections. FREE. Lunch is provided. Participants should bring their own laptop and be prepared to stay for the whole day.
The Edit-a-Thon will be held at the Laurel Historical Society: 817 Main Street, Laurel. Registration isn't required but signups are preferred. People can sign up athttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
The Laurel Edit-a-Thon is sponsored by Wikimedia DC, the regional outreach organization for Wikipedia and the other projects of the Wikimedia Foundation, whose mission is to promote participation on Wikimedia projects in the Washington, DC area and throughout the United States. Wikimedia is a global movement whose mission is to bring free educational content to the world.
The Laurel Historical Society and Laurel Museum are located at 817 Main Street. Museum hours are 10:00am-2:00 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays and Sundays 1:00-4:00p.m.The John Brennan Calder Research Library is available by appointment. The current exhibit, “Lost & Found Laurel” runs through December 21, 2015.
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