STHC-L: The Science, Technology and Health Care Archives Forum

"A Second Way of Seeing History": Using Statistical Data in Historical Research

• Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 10:20:26 -0500
• To: sthc-l@library.ucla.edu, margaret.adams@nara.gov
• From: Cheryl StadelBevans <cheryl.stadel@nara.gov>
• Subject: "A Second Way of Seeing History": Using Statistical Data in Historical Research
• Message-ID: sc7cb2f6.069@smtp.nara.gov

This workshop may be of interest to STHC-L members who will be 
attending the Organization of American Historians (OAH) annual meeting 
in Washington, DC. The workshop will be presented on Friday, April 12 
at 9 am.

"A Second Way of Seeing History": Using Statistical Data in Historical 
Research

A recent PBS program celebrated the 20th century as "The First Measured 
Century", when statistical data became available on practically every 
aspect of life and society. Using statistical data, the video and its 
companion reference volume profiled the story of social change in the 
20th century United States by recalling the 1869 predictions of 
then-Congressman James A. Garfield, that "developments of statistics 
are causing history to be rewritten." 

For historians who seek greater detail on social change in 20th century 
America, the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) 
preserves vast primary source documentation of all types and media. A 
large proportion of NARA's holdings of federal electronic records 
files, more than 170,000 in all, are detailed data files.  Staff from 
NARA's electronic records division will highlight the history of NARA's 
electronic records program and discuss reference services for 
electronic records.  Using "The First Measured Century" as a general 
framework, staff will lead small-group discussions covering the variety 
of NARA's electronic records as primary source material for historical 
analysis of the United States in the 20th century.

Introduction: Michael R. Carlson, Director, Electronic and Special 
Media Records Services Division, National Archives and Records 
Administration

Presentations: 
- "What is Past is Analog: The National Archives Electronic Records 
Program since 1968."   Thomas E. Brown, Manager, Archival Services, 
Electronic and Special Media Records Services Division, National 
Archives and Records Administration

- "The Historical Evolution of User Services for Accessioned Electronic 
Records."  Margaret O. Adams, Manager, Reference Services, Electronic 
and Special Media Records Services Division, National Archives and 
Records Administration

The presentations will be followed by concurrent small group sessions:

Agricultural and Environmental Data: Greg LaMotta
Attitudinal and International Data: William Fischer
Data from the Executive Office of the President: Thomas E. Brown
Demographic Data: David Schlanger 
Economic Data: Russell Loiselle
Education and Social Services Data: Linda Henry
Genealogy Data: Michael R. Carlson
Health, Science, and Technology Data: Nancy Melley
Military Data: Margaret O. Adams
Transportation Data: Dian Palmer