ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the benefits of digital storytelling as public history. Public history practice is deeply rooted in the areas of historic preservation, archival science, oral history, museum curatorship, and other related fields. Infinite Armenias, a project spearheaded by Dr. Tiffany Earley-Spadoni at the University of Central Florida, is perhaps one of the best examples of current digital storytelling and public history collaborations. Working with Armenians, students in the program create digital stories that explore the complicated and diverse history of the country and its people. Digital storytelling allows digital natives to use their own generation’s tools to tell stories. It helps students use tools with which they are already comfortable to tell stories that they recognize. In addition, digital storytelling helps break down barriers that prevent young people from engaging in history. In this way, public history digital storytelling encourages viewers to dig deeper into subjects that they may know little about.
