Lives of the First World War: Reflection on IWMs' Permanent Digital Memorial

Even while the First World War was still being fought, the newly-formed Imperial War Museum was asking the public to help it tell the story of the global conflict that shaped the world we live in today. The museum was formed not as a monument to military glory, but as a record of the toil and sacrifice of those who had served in uniform or worked on the home front.

Now, in the digital age, IWM can build the permanent digital memorial to the Lives of the First World War. By working together during the First World War centenary, we are piecing together more than 8 million life stories, sharing them, and enabling IWM to save them for future generations.

This seminar will reflect on the history of the project, digital engagement with the public, developing a community of contributors and our future plans for the resource. 

The slides from this presentation are available below

Speaker

Catherine Long graduated with an MA in British First World War Studies from the University of Birmingham in 2015. Particular interests include trends of memorialisation, the language of remembrance/memory and public contribution to national rhetoric. Prior to securing the position as Public Engagement Officer in April 2016, she volunteered in various roles at IWM.