Early this summer, the North Olympic History Center was awarded a Heritage Grant by the Board of County Commissioners. The amount ot the grant, $17,500, will largely fund the "Cloud Project". This major initiative will convert much of our archival and records collections into digital format.
The first element of the project was to select the software program to be used. There are few programs that closely compete with Past Perfect Museum Software. Since 2012, NOHC has used Past Perfect museum software to catelog the archival collection of approximately 13,000 items. Only recently has Past Perfect been undated to become web-based, meaning that any computer with an internet connection can be used to input information into the database, and ultimately to perform searches on that data. This is important to facilitate work other than on a local computer server. Of significance is that data is backuped up remotely and cannot be lost in the event of a local catrastrophic event.
After making the decision to use Past Perfect Web-based edution, the need to "cleanse" the current database became imperative to eventually convert to the Past Perfect Web Edition. Cleansing entails fixing broken links, removing obsolete and out of date records, and other technical issues. This process was begun in late spring and is expected to be complete in early fall. In the meantime, new computer equipment is being purchased in preparation of transitioning to the new web-based program and inputing data.
We are extremely grateful for our volunteer, Eve Datisman, for working on "Cleansing the database."
Until now, researchers have had to come to the NOHC Research Library, or correspond to have questions on local history answered. The artifact collection was accessible only to those willing to make special arrangements. The Cloud Project will. over time, put much of our collection on-line. The public will be able to search various categories to find items of interest. In this way, the collection will be accessible to anyone with access to the internet.
After the databas cleanse is complete, and the web-based software is tested, the major project of adding records into the database will begin. This will be a never-ending project as objects and records of historical significance are continually added to the collections. Eventually, the on-line collection can be used to develop exhibits for a virtual museum.
As the project develops, we will be recruiting volunteers to perform most of the work. If you would like more information, contact us by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 360-452-2662.
