Wikimedia and History

In this episode, Ewan McAndrew, the University of Edinburgh's Wikimedian in Residence, is joined by Diana Paton, lecturer at the University of Edinburgh and the William Robertson Chair of History, Lucy Crompton-Reid, Chief Executive of Wikimedia UK, Lucy Parfitt, former President of the University History Society, two history students, Grace King and Siân Davies, and Hannah Rothmann, a former Wikimedia intern and Classics student, to discuss Wikimedia, History how the two topics are interconnected. Particularly, they discuss the Scotland Slavery and Black History Project. This episode is the fifth and final of our Wikimedia Series, which aims to recontextualize Wikimedia's role in academia on its 21st birthday. The conversation begins with each participant detailing what drew them to the project and its formulation. They also consider Edward Gibbon's quote, "History is indeed little more than the register of the crimes, follies, and misfortunes of mankind." While the group's conversation revolves around the Scotland Slavery and Black History Project, it often diverges into fascinating territory regarding Wikipedia and History. Is Wikipedia a source, a source aggregator, or both? What role can Wikipedia play in documenting history's ever-changing nature? What kind of conversations follow a project such as this one, and what conversations does it necessitate? This link leads to more information about the Scotland Slavery and Black History Project.  Timestamps: 2:00 - Introduction of participants, entertainment of Edward Gibbon's quote, and discussion about the inception of the Scotland Slavery and Black History Project 13:40 - The participants discuss the 'othering' of Wikipedia, more about the conversations the project necessitated, and whether Wikipedia is a source or a source aggregator 33:00 - Each participant reflects on the project, detailing what they got out of it and their final thoughts Transcript Music for this episode was provided by Hooksounds.