Vancouver History: Streams of History

Those who frequent this site often may notice that I have a bit of a passion for all things history in and around Vancouver. This weekend a very special event is taking place in the downtown Eastside (our city’s oldest neighbourhood) and everyone is welcome to join in person or online.

By recognizing and recording the stories of up to 20 sites of historical importance in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, mobile videographers connect past to present, creating an opening for informed reflection on the future.

This crossmedia exhibition and web project remixes Labour, Work, and Working People: A Working Class and A Labour History Walking Tour using Web 2.0 strategies to expand the number of voices heard and stories told.

Using the latest in digital technology, live video streams tell tales of 20 DTES sites through enduring memories of Vancouver’s labour history. Videographers present the history and context of each site and reveal new relationships with contemporary players. Strikes, lockouts, evictions, state suspicion, attacks on working class movements…markers of a death – each site has a unique role to play in the story of the neighbourhood.

New tools are being used to harness history and bring it forward with mobile devices, wireless networks, live screens and video mixers. [Facebook Event]

You can preview the walking tour and all of its stops on this interactive map, and there is also a booklet online featuring more of the locations and another tour that will originate from Burrard SkyTrain area.

The event this weekend will be streamed live online from all 20 sites and will also be remixed as an installation at Gallery Gachet until February 28th. More information is available on from Fearless City.