EXHIBIT BUT MAKE IT DIGITAL: CURATING AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES WITH DIGITAL OBJECTS USING ESRI STORY MAPS

As advanced technologies have allowed natural history repositories to digitize the vast troves of collections hidden behind closed doors, the possibility of online/digital exhibitions has become a reality. Now those who wish to share collection objects with a worldwide audience can do so without the space and environmental limitations presented by traditional exhibits. However, lack of web development experience or infrastructure can lead smaller institutions to believe that digital exhibits are out of reach. Can analogue exhibition practices be adapted to the digital realm? How can scientists and educators provide authentic, object-based experiences within an online space? And—most importantly—how can small to midsize institutions engage online audiences with limited resources? We present insights and workflow on creating a digital exhibit using the Esri Story Map web application to uncover the hidden history of Indiana University’s lost Megalonyx jeffersonii. Through the use of 3-D laser scanning, macrophotography, and open source media tools, we curated an accessible narrative that enables users to engage with digital objects. We will compare available options for online exhibitions; examine educational applications of digital tours, collections viewers, and exhibitions; and present ideas for innovative and cost-effective exhibits that can engage users in digital archives and collections.