Readers of the Upstate New York Genealogy Blog are in for a treat starting Thursday May 8th.
Our favorite online data provider, Footnote, is coming out with something absolutely unique!
The 1860 Federal Census is now "interactive"! This will not be just another 1860 census, indeed!
What this means is that you will be able to locate your ancestor on the 1860 census and add your own personal information to the listing. If you have photos or documents, old letters, a diary, bible records, or previous research that you wish to share with others and to collaborate, then you will be able to add those items to the actual census entry for all to see from now on. This will also cite you as the contact person for that item. Now that's exciting!
Footnote has been a pioneer in this interactive feature and it will be just like the inter-active Vietnam Wall that is available for free on Footnote, which we have written about in a previous Blog.
If you do not yet have a subscription you should check it out and take advantage of the Footnote FREE TRIAL!
Here is the actual press release from Footnote:
Footnote 1860 census interative news release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 7, 2008
FOOTNOTE.COM ADDS TO ITS LEADING CIVIL WAR COLLECTION BY LAUNCHING THE FIRST-EVER INTERACTIVE 1860 US CENSUS
Footnote.com’s innovative tools enable members to enrich the census records by adding photos, comments, and related documents to names featured on the records.
Lindon, UT – Today, Footnote.com announced the addition of the 1860 US Census to their Civil War Collection. As the largest online collection of original Civil War documents, this new addition to Footnote.com provides a snapshot of America before the bloodiest war in its history.
The 1860 US Census reveals many details about individuals at that time. What was their occupation? Where were they born? What was their marital status? Did they attend school? Could they read or write? Was your ancestor insane, idiotic, or a convict? The 1860 US Census will let you know.
“Is the 1860 US Census already on the internet? Yes,” says Russ Wilding, CEO of Footnote.com. “But what makes the census different on Footnote is that these documents become interactive.”
Footnote.com has developed tools that enable visitors not only to find someone in the census, but also to enrich the records by adding photos, linking related documents, and contributing insights to any name on the record. “Now they’re not merely names on a document,” explains Russ Wilding. “They become people as the contributions start to tell a story about that person.”
This past March, Footnote.com released a similar project using the same technology with an interactive version of the Vietnam War Memorial. For each name on the Wall, a visitor can view military service information, attached photos and comments. The success of the project is overwhelming as priceless contributions are added to the Wall. Footnote expects similar results with the launch of the 1860 US Census.
At Footnote.com, it’s more than just looking at a historical document. History becomes a living subject on Footnote.com as documents from archives come together for the first time on the Internet. Visitors to Footnote.com can add their own contributions and upload their own shoeboxes of information. Letters, documents, and photos from the past create a view of history that few have seen before.
Every month, two million new documents are added to the site and over a million people visit the site. Footnote promises to continue to deliver new discoveries for those whose interests range from the serious historian to the casual visitor looking for something entertaining.
To view the Civil War Collection including the 1860 US Census, visit Footnote.com today.
About Footnote, Inc.
Footnote.com is a subscription website that features searchable original documents, providing users with an unaltered view of the events, places and people that shaped the American nation and the world. At Footnote.com, all are invited to come share, discuss, and collaborate on their discoveries with friends, family, and colleagues. For more information, visit www.footnote.com.
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2 comments:
This development demonstrates one of the benefits of competition. New entrants in the online document arena will have to provide added value in order to gain a following. It appears that Footnote.com is doing just that. Hurrah!
Steve,
That is an excellent observation. I dislike the Web two point oh phrase, because I think it is goofy, there is no such thing, but new developments like this one are sure welcome.
I see this as a starting point and hope that Footnote continues this forward thinking.
Best.
unyg
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