Four Web site Evaluations

The University of Virginia’s “Valley of the Shadow” Web site provides a resource for Civil War historians.  The introduction page is useful in that it explains “The Valley Project” and what it actually is.  The home page is structured interestingly, providing three portals labeled “The Eve of the War,” “The War Years” and “The Aftermath.”  If you are researching on a specific topic, like the causes of the war, then it is easy to access.  I like that the navigation is set up almost like a library directory.   There are three floors, and the sections are divided up among the floors, with the site map conveniently located at the bottom.  As far as content goes, there is almost too much.  I think this sight is designed for historians who are looking for specific information or are researching a specific topic; it is almost impossible to “casually browse” the Web site. 

The History Channel’s Web site, conversely, attracts the historians from novice to expert.  It clearly is provided ultimately to promote the channel’s programs, and attract viewers.  It is a resource for almost every history topic one could think of.  The home page provides a revolving flash of featured videos and upcoming television programs, with a “Today’s Video Picks” menu on the side, providing variety everyday.  There are two navigation menus, which seems a little confusing, but at a closer glance one can see that the two provide different information.  The side navigation menu divides the Web site into three sections: channels; topics; and resources.   These sections cover the majority of the Web site’s visitors: History Channel watchers; the general public; and historians.  The top navigation system divides the Web site up more extensively, providing resources for viewers, children, teachers, the general public, shoppers, etc.  All in all, HistoryChannel.com provides a general, expansive web of information, including everything from shopping for historical non-fiction and DVDs to learning about the origins of the Crimean War.

DoHistory.org is more of an interactive, teaching Web site, differing form the previous two Web sites.  It is established to enable visitors to “explore the process of piecing together the lives of ordinary people in the past.”  The Web site uses a case study (the book and film “A Midwife’s Tale) in order to explore the process of research.  In my opinion, the best elements about this Web site are the links to other resources.  The case study provides a great example.  However, the links to other Web sites provide the most useful information, such as the Step-by-Step Guide to Oral History.  Additionally, it provides many other links to “How-to” guides.  Ultimately, it is a good starting place that is well-researched.  It provides links to accurate and comprehensive guidelines for historiographies and allows historians the tools to study history in a more creative, digital way.

The National Museums of American History’s Web site shows history in an entirely different light.  At first glance, it is obvious that artifacts and tangible items are the center stage of its historical exploration.  The Web site offers descriptions of in-house exhibitions, as well as actual on-line exhibitions, which makes the Web site more exclusive.  While promoting the museum is its primary function, the Web site also provides useful resources and plenty of historical information regarding past, current and future exhibitions.