Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is the Elizabeth V. and George F. Gardner Digital Library?
2. What is the difference between the Encyclopedia and the Stories/Memory Bank?
3. How can I purchase a photo on the website?
4. How can I contribute to the Gardner Digital Library?
Answers:
1. The Elizabeth V. and George F. Gardner Digital Library is a digital initiative of the Cumberland County Historical Society (CCHS). The Gardner Digital Library attempts to collect, engage, and share the stories of Cumberland County using digital tools to make the history of the County more accessible. It is also a gateway into exploring the rich collections (library, archival, photo, and museum collections) held by CCHS and allows visitors both new and old a way to explore these collections.
2. The encyclopedia is the result of research conducted using the resources at the Cumberland County Historical Society in addition to other historical repositories located in Cumberland County and across the country. The entries will include either the references used to write the entry or will highlight where visitors may find additional resources. The stories in the Gardner Digital Library are known as the Memory Bank. The Memory Bank contains the memories of an individual or group of people. As these are memories they may not always be historically accurate but they instead represent the history of the individual and how they remember and engage with the past. If citing a memory bank story be sure to conduct additional research to guarantee memory matches other accounts of the past.
3. At the present the easiest way to purchase a photo is through the Cumberland County Historical Society's photo ordering process currently found at http://www.historicalsociety.com/Ordering.html. Most photos will have their photo id in parenthesis in the caption. If you need additional assistance please feel free to email Richard Tritt or Blair Williams.
4. There are many ways to contribute to the Gardner Digital Library and the project is always looking for additional help. Stop in to the Cumberland County Historical Society to fill out a project volunteer card or email the project coordinator at gardnerlibrary@historicalsociety.com if you cannot make it into the Historical Society. Volunteer opportunities are varied and include transcribing memory bank stories, writing encyclopedia entries, conducting an interview, or even sharing your own stories of Cumberland County. There are many other opportunities so feel free to stop in or email the coordinator to see how you can contribute and thank you for your interest.