Software

To create a Community Memories exhibit, museums must use the Community Memories software supplied by CHIN without charge. Museums will also need computer equipment. CHIN prepared a list of Required Hardware and Recommended Accessories.

The software can be used to create an unlimited number of individual exhibits.

What Is It?

The Community Memories software is designed to record memories. It allows photographs and documents to be copied into a computer, so there is no danger of losing people’s materials.

The software also allows you to easily enter details about photographs, such as when and where they were taken, who is in them, as well as the stories behind unique photographed moments.

You can also add videos, sound clips and textual reminiscences.

Restrictions

The Community Memories software is not a Web-authoring tool. It cannot be used to create a website.

It allows you to create and present local history exhibits on a computer.

Benefits

Use the Community Memories software to:

• create many exhibits and stories;
• follow people or things through time;
• search and view your exhibit in many ways;
• sell a CD-ROM of your finished exhibit or view it as a slide show;
• view exhibits in English or French.

Please note: Textual reminiscences within the exhibits remain in the language in which they were originally written.

The Collection

All Community Memories exhibits will be connected through the Virtual Museum of Canada (VMC), forming a unique portrait of Canadian history. By searching this collection for a name, a date, or any other term, or by clicking on a hot spot, records can be instantly retrieved, viewed, read or listened to, providing users internationally with new insights into the values, experiences and myths that shape Canadian identity.

When Do Institutions Receive the Software?

The software is sent upon receipt, by CHIN, of the institution's signed copies of the agreement and the first invoice.

Acknowledgements

CHIN wishes to thank comm@NET for their assistance during the initial development of the Community Memories software template that was based on their comm@ software, made for the capture of community archives.

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