Archive for August, 2012
Visit the David Rumsey Historical Map Collection for access to over 33,000 historical maps and images online. Although the primary focus of the collection is rare 18th and 19th century maps of the Americas, all regions are represented and available in varying formats. Please feel free to have a look at this wonderful historical collection.
There is a relatively new online project entitled “The Endangered Languages Project” which has begun the daunting yet highly relevant task of compiling information on the worlds endangered and threatened languages. The need to protect languages, and by extension the many associated cultures, is of crucial importance to preserving the most fundamental component of numerous peoples and histories around the world.
Here is a brief description of the project from the ELP site:
“Humanity today is facing a massive extinction: languages are disappearing at an unprecedented pace. And when that happens, a unique vision of the world is lost. With every language that dies we lose an enormous cultural heritage; the understanding of how humans relate to the world around us; scientific, medical and botanical knowledge; and most importantly, we lose the expression of communities’ humor, love and life. In short, we lose the testimony of centuries of life.
Languages are entities that are alive and in constant flux, and their extinction is not new; however, the pace at which languages are disappearing today has no precedent and is alarming. About half of the world’s approximate 7,000 languages are at risk of disappearing in the next 100 years. But today we have tools and technology at our fingertips that could become a game changer.
With the Endangered Languages Project, Google puts its technology at the service of the organizations and individuals working to confront language endangerment by documenting, preserving and teaching them. Through this website, users can not only access the most up to date and comprehensive information on endangered languages as well as samples being provided by partners, but also play an active role in putting their languages online by submitting information or samples in the form of text, audio or video files. In addition, users will be able to share best practices and case studies through a knowledge sharing section and through joining relevant Google Groups.
Google oversaw the development and launch of this project, but the long term goal is for it be led by true experts in the field of language preservation. As such, oversight of the project will soon transition to First Peoples’ Cultural Council and The Institute for Language Information and Technology (The Linguist List) at Eastern Michigan University in coordination with the Advisory Committee.”
Please visit the Endangered Languages Project website at: http://www.endangeredlanguages.com/
There are several upcoming Medieval/History conferences that I wish to mention for those who are interested.
1) Unum Verum Bonum - International Colloquim on Medieval Philosophy
Centre for Philosophy, University of Lisbon (April 4-6, 2013)
Please consult their website for the Call for Papers (due Oct., 2012) at: http://www.centrodefilosofia.com/actividadecientificadetalhe.php?id=76
2) 34th Annual Medieval and Renaissance Forum
Plymouth State University (New Hampshire) scheduled from April 19-20, 2013
Please consult their website at: http://www.plymouth.edu/events/medieval-and-renaissance-forum/
This years theme will be “Travel, Contact, Exchange”
3) 59th Annual Meeting of the Renaissance Society of America
San Diego, April 4-6, 2013
Website: http://www.rsa.org/?page=2013SanDiego
4) 127th Annual Meeting of the American Historical Association
New Orleans, January 3-6, 2013
Theme: “Lives, Places, Stories”
Web: http://www.historians.org/annual/2013/index.cfm
Krystyna Cap has compiled an excellent article for Heritage Toronto detailing the history of the Hungarian community in Toronto. The Hungarian community has, throughout its history, endeavoured to maintain a strong, vibrant, and sustainable Magyar community that caters to Toronto 50,000 or more Hungarians. While a distinct Hungarian part of Toronto has greatly diminished over the years, the community faces new challenges within a fast-changing city. Please review the link below for Ms. Cap’s detailed overview of one of Toronto’s many great cultures.
http://www.heritagetoronto.org/discover-toronto/community-stories/torontos-hungarian-community
The former Hungarian Canadian Cultural Centre on St. Clair West (Image courtesy of Heritage Toronto)
A new program initiated this year by the Kossuth Foundation, the Balassi Institute, and sponsored by former New York Governor George Pataki and his family to give second, third, and fourth generation Hungarians a chance to learn and appreciate their cultural heritage. This program offers Hungarian youth an opportunity of a funded summer excursion to Hungary including extraordinary cultural experiences. I believe the need to ensure that the next generation of Hungarians (including those who do not speak the language) will be a fundamentally crucial element in preserving Magyar heritage around the globe. There are approximately 6 million Hungarians outside of present-day Hungary and around the world. Programs of this nature will go a long way to uniting global Hungarian communities in common purpose. The program is available to Canadian applicants as well.
Here is a brief description of the details of the program and its objectives from ReConnect Hungary:
ReConnect Hungary provides the gift of a peer group, heritage and cultural immersion trip to Hungary for American-Hungarian young adults ages 18 to 26 in order to strengthen participants’ personal Hungarian identity through connection to the country, culture and heritage. In Summer 2012, twelve individually selected, young American-Hungarians will begin a two-week journey of rediscovery together. You will learn about your Hungarian roots–culture, traditions and history–in a totally new way.
The program is sponsored by the Washington-based Kossuth Foundation and covers round-trip airfare between New York and Budapest as well as two weeks of programs, which include educational lectures, meetings with business leaders and visits to government offices and cultural attractions.
The experience helps young Hungarian-Americans understand their heritage and the current contribution Hungary is making to the U.S. and the world. You will gain a deeper understanding of your Hungarian heritage while enjoying a living culture. Not only will your pride in Hungary’s historical significance, rich past and impressive accomplishments grow, but you will experience current-day Hungary as you connect to young Hungarians. With unmatched access to decision-makers and industry leaders, you will see first-hand the trends, innovations and ingenuity driving the country today.
True, Hungary is the land of your ancestors but it is also on the cutting edge of ideas, technology, inventions; music and art.
ReConnect Hungary –Hungarian Birthright Program is a public-private partnership between the Kossuth Foundation of Washington, D.C. , a non-profit institution, and the Balassi Institute of Hungary, the country’s official promoter of Hungarian culture abroad.
If you so choose, there are several methods in which to support the work of ReConnect Hungary. Please visit their website for more details.
Visit ReConnect Hungary’s website at: http://reconnecthungary.org
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