1:00 pm – 2:00 pm, Bobcat Room | Brian Beauvais, Park County Archives

Abstract:

This presentation was discuss how the Park County Archives in Cody, WY has created a collection of GIS maps to explore various aspects of local history.
Historical institutions often have a great deal of geographic information at their disposal but lack the means to easily disseminate that information to the public. GIS resources can help solve this dilemma through the creation of interactive geographic map applications intended for use by researchers and the general public.
The importance of GIS is only expanding and they can be used for many things beyond their standard set of prescribed utilities. A growing amount of credible literature makes the case that GIS resources have a great deal to offer research within the humanities and social sciences. Even archival collections can be employed using these GIS tools. In terms of education and public engagement GIS offers a great opportunity for the public to interact with history and archival collections on their own terms. While exploring GIS exhibits users can learn about and research archival materials without ever having to perform standard in-person archival research.

Bio:

Brian Beauvais is the Curator of the Park County Archives in Cody. He has a Master of Arts degree in history and is currently working toward a Master of Library Science. He is a member of the Park County Historic Preservation Commission, the Park County Historical Society, the Park County Parks and Recreation Board, & a board member of the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund. In his spare time Beauvais loves hiking, hunting, skiing, and exploring the historic geography of Park County.
Brian has written about the history of hunting and wildlife conservation for the Annals of Wyoming and is also is a historical columnist for the Cody Enterprise. He has given public presentations of the history of hunting, outfitting, and wildlife management in Wyoming, as well as other historic topics such as mining in the Absraoka Mountains, early homesteaders of Sunlight Basin, historic preservation, and local art in Wyoming.