Monthly wrap-up: December’s shared collections and audio-visual finds
As the final month of 2024 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the diverse and impactful collections and multimedia on JSTOR this December. These resources offer educators, researchers, and students unique insights to end the year.
Reveal Digital: Preserving essential stories
-
- From Civil Rights Digest, 1968-1974, Item 02. Reveal Digital’s Behind the Scenes of the Civil Rights Movements.
-
- From Tolerance, Volume 3, Issue 50, 26 October 1924. Reveal Digital’s Documenting White Supremacy and Its Opponents in the 1920s collection.
Reveal Digital continues to bring marginalized histories to the forefront, ensuring open access to narratives that have shaped our collective understanding of civil rights and social justice.
Behind the Scenes of the Civil Rights Movements
This collection highlights everyday activism in Black, Latine, Indigenous, and AAPI communities. Featuring newsletters, photographs, and personal accounts, it showcases the essential yet often overlooked efforts of grassroots organizers.
Explore the Behind the Scences of the Civil Rights Movements collection.
Documenting White Supremacy and Its Opponents in the 1920s
This critical collection juxtaposes the voices of organized white nationalism with those of Black Americans, Catholics, and Jewish communities who opposed it. The newspapers and publications within provide vital context to a pivotal era in U.S. history.
Learn more about documenting white supremacy and resistance.
Shared collections: Art, science, and natural history
December’s shared collections uncover the artistic and scientific wonders of the natural world, preserving the delicate beauty of handmade works.
Andrew Garrett’s South Sea Fishes
Andrew Garrett’s vibrant watercolors document the rich biodiversity of the South Seas. This collection, preserved by the Natural History Museum of London, features meticulous depictions of fish species alongside Garrett’s original observations, providing a unique perspective on 19th-century natural history.
Discover Andrew Garrett’s collection.
Madagascar’s Orchids by Rev. William Deans Cowan
This exquisite collection, also shared by the Natural History Museum of London, showcases 52 watercolor drawings of Madagascar orchids, capturing their delicate beauty with intricate detail. Created by Rev. William Deans Cowan, these works are a testament to both botanical art and the natural splendor of Madagascar.
Audio and video: Connecting with history through multimedia
December’s multimedia highlights invite viewers to explore historical narratives through dynamic visual storytelling and documentation.
The Sheep Shower (1940s): Innovation in Australian wool production
This film from the Wellcome Collection contrasts traditional and modern sheep-handling methods, showcasing how innovations like the sheep shower revolutionized wool farming. It captures the ingenuity of Australian agriculture during the 20th century.
Naval Battle during the First Sino-Japanese War (1894): A glimpse into contested history
This brief footage from UMass Boston provides a rare look at maritime conflict during the Sino-Japanese War. Its ambiguous origins invite ongoing exploration and dialogue about its historical context.
Explore the naval battle footage.
Circulatory Control (1927): Early explorations of the human body
This film from the Wellcome Collection documents scientific attempts to explain blood circulation, using animations and demonstrations to reveal the complexities of the vascular system. It’s a fascinating snapshot of early 20th-century medical research.
Learn more in Circulatory Control.
Bag Rush 1930, Campus Day 1931: Traditions of student life
This spirited film from the University of Puget Sound captures the camaraderie and traditions of early 20th-century student life, blending nostalgia with a glimpse into historical campus culture.
Watch Bag Rush and Campus Day.
Health and Clothing (1928): Fashion and public health
Combining humor and animation, this film from the Wellcome Collection examines the relationship between clothing choices and well-being, advocating for breathable, fire-safe designs that prioritize health.
The Africa Passion (1992): A filmmaker’s tribute to Kenya and Tanzania
John Hylan Heminway’s silent interview, shared by Montana State University, reveals the passion behind his work documenting the landscapes and cultures of Africa. This intimate portrayal highlights the enduring power of storytelling and visual art.
Experience The Africa Passion.
Reflecting on a year of discovery
December’s collections and multimedia pieces mark the culmination of a year filled with learning. As we reflect on 2024, these resources reflect the importance of preserving and sharing history, art, and culture for future generations.
We look forward to continuing this journey with you in 2025. Stay curious!
About the author
Maria Papadouris is a Content and Community Engagement Manager at ITHAKA, where she works on bringing the JSTOR community together under the common goal of championing access to knowledge (and having a fun time doing it!). A first-generation Greek American and first-generation college student, Maria studied political science and creative writing, bringing an interdisciplinary approach to issues in the humanities. She is also looking to pursue graduate studies in English literature.