Week 1 Blog - Academic Engagement

Hello! I am Olivia Aldrich, and I am excited to work alongside Dr. Gannon on the Olustee Project this summer. My research interests encompass a wide range of subjects, including Florida History, Nuclear Technology, and the History of Children's Literature. With my involvement in the Olustee/VHP Project, I will play a role in the interview process conducted by the esteemed Veterans History Project (VHP). This comprehensive process encompasses three primary phases: pre-interview, interview, and post-processing.

In the pre-interview phase, I will research the Olustee Battlefield, the specific events that unfolded during the battle, and the soldiers who fought in the battle. By delving deep into historical records and resources, I will lay the groundwork for formulating thoughtful and incisive interview questions that aim to unearth the untold stories of the black and white Union soldiers who have been overlooked by history.

Moving on to the interview phase itself, I will be responsible for scheduling and conducting interviews with individuals who maintain a personal connection to the Olustee Battlefield. This will include historians, descendants of soldiers who fought in the battle, and members of the local community. By engaging with these sources firsthand, the project seeks to capture authentic accounts and personal anecdotes that will breathe life into the historical narrative, ensuring that the sacrifices and experiences of the black and white Union soldiers are appropriately recognized and preserved.

Once the interviews are completed, the post-processing phase will come into play, during which I will be responsible for creating an Audio Video (AV) Log, an Abstract, and a Transcript. These meticulously crafted documents will serve as invaluable resources for future researchers, ensuring that the stories and experiences of the black and white Union soldiers at Olustee Battlefield are not only safeguarded but also made accessible to the wider public. By undertaking this vital archival work, we aim to establish a lasting legacy that upholds the contributions and sacrifices of these unsung heroes.

Engaging in the Olustee public history project and collaborating with the Veterans History Project (VHP) presents a unique and unparalleled opportunity for me to acquire invaluable skills and knowledge. By undertaking in-depth research, refining my communication and empathetic abilities through interviews, and honing my skills in documentation and archiving, I will to contribute to the preservation of history while also nurturing my personal and professional growth. I am also eager to delve into the intricacies of the interview process and explore the realm of oral history, as it stands as one of the most vital and revered forms of historical documentation. 

This transformative learning journey, steeped in teamwork and critical thinking, will leave a lasting impact, both on the Olustee Battlefield project and on my own development as a historian and researcher.