Jonathan Brown

Dr.Jack

Research Team CODE-120

12 October 2023

Multimedial Composition #2

There are multiple ways I would like to improve the Gardens website and the garden itself. My first improvement would be making the section about slavery more accessible rather than having an entirely different website. It can also include  better coverage of the history through in-person tours and virtual tours. The basement is another point that can be improved. The house can include more history about what was really going on in the house. 

WEBSITE CHANGES

My first improvement would be making the section about slavery more accessible rather than having an entirely different website. The first thing on the original website is them trying to sell all of the classes, books,events, and tickets.It almost feels like a pop up ad. Then when you get past all the ads you see the “about the garden”, now as a student trying to find information about the history of how Shaw was a slave owner you think, “Maybe I’ll find some history of how this garden came to be”.  It goes on to say the garden was founded in 1859 and is the oldest “garden” still in operation. The website states, “For over 163 years, the Garden has been an oasis in the city, a place of beauty and family fun—and also a center for education, science, and conservation.”. What I get from the original website is that it masks the true history of the gardens. 

 TOURS

Garden tours provide an opportunity to educate visitors about the plants, flowers, trees, and overall garden design. History about the slavery that happened to make this land so impressionable for vegetation can be incorporated in the tours. Gardeners and tourists can still share their knowledge about the various species, their growth patterns, care requirements, and the garden’s overall ecosystem. The educational aspect of the history can lead to a greater appreciation of the garden and its unique features. Garden tours can help foster a sense of community by bringing people together to enjoy the beauty of a shared space. Community involvement in the form of volunteer opportunities, local events, or partnerships can also help maintain and improve the garden. Tours can help convey the historical and cultural importance of the gardens’ involvement in slavery . This can include sharing the stories behind the garden’s creation, its role in the community, and any notable events that have taken place there. 

VIRTUAL TOURS

Virtual garden tours can inspire visitors with fresh ideas for their own gardens. They can see different garden designs, plant combinations, and landscaping techniques, which can serve as inspiration for their own gardening projects. They can also provide opportunities to learn about slave history by providing links to spread information. Throughout the tour, include historical photographs, videos, and documents that highlight the garden’s past. These visuals can help visitors connect with the garden’s rich history. Incorporate a virtual museum or exhibit within the tour, showcasing artifacts, documents, and memorabilia related to the garden’s history. Visitors can click on items to learn more about their significance. Provide the entire history about Henry Shaw and key individuals who played a significant role in the garden’s establishment and development. Explain their vision and contributions. By incorporating these elements into a virtual tour, you can create an engaging and informative experience that not only showcases the botanical garden’s natural beauty but also brings its history to life for virtual visitors.

BASEMENT

 The basement can be a big way to improve on the representation on slavery within the gardens. incorporate testimonials or stories from the past about the house’s history as people walk through the basement. These firsthand accounts can bring a personal touch to the historical narrative. I would include chains or something to signify slaves being present in the house. From the perspectives of the current tours it feels as though there were never slaves in the house. The receipt of him buying the slaves can be displayed on the wall to show how real it was to be able to buy a human being. The rooms house slaves stayed in need to be labeled to show the history of how the house used to be run. 

ENGAGEMENT

 Encourage visitors to share their own historical anecdotes or photos related to the garden. Create a space for user-generated content, such as a virtual bulletin board or comment section. Incorporate audio narration at specific points in the virtual tour to share historical information about different sections of the garden. A professional narrator or the garden’s curator can provide insights into the garden’s past and its significance. Ask the community what they would like to see more of the botanical gardens and how they can represent the community while also having the history of Henry Shaw.