About the Authors

Douglas and Heather are graduate students at the Western University working towards their master's degree in Public History.

Douglas graduated from Dundee University, Scotland, in 1993 with a Bachelors in Architecture and recently graduated with distinction from Western, receiving an Honours BA with a Specialization in History.  His interest in Public History was piqued after participating in a work/study program that allowed him to combine his architectural knowledge with his historical research skills to aid in the re-creation of a year in a Londoner's life through his diary using GIS mapping.  By utilizing his knowledge in 3-D software and his architectural background, Douglas hope to bring to life elements of social history that are sometimes overlooked, providing a more personal hands-on interpretation to the public through interactive and manipulative displays.  He also has an interest in the development of architectural historical displays through online resources highlighting local heritage sites.  Douglas is currently working with the MHBC Cultural Heritage Group.

Heather discovered her passion for public history while working at The Henry Ford - Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan.  She started as an historic presenter, and then moved into the creative programs department, working on the planning and implementation of special events.  While working at the museum she attended Eastern Michigan University, completing an undergraduate degree in History and Historic Preservation.  After graduating with honours, she had two invaluable internships in program planning at the Henry Ford Estate and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.  While completing her masters she worked as a curatorial research assistant at Fanshawe Pioneer Village in London, Ontario.  After completing her graduate degree, she plan to pursue a career in public history at a museum or with the national park service, focusing on interpretation, event planing, and educational programming. 

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Acknowledgements

Doug and Heather would like to acknowledge the expertise and support of Donald Lafreniere and Dr. Jason Gilliland of the Human Environments Analysis Laboratory (HEAL) in the Department of Geography at the University of Western Ontario.  This project would not have been possible without their GIS training and technical support, access to their lab and historical maps, photographs, and databases of London from the Imag(in)ing London Historical GIS project.  Funding for Imag(in)ing London was provided by the University of Western Ontario Academic Development Fund and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.