National Archives announces First -Wikipedian in Residence-
Press Release · Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Washington, DC

The National Archives has selected Dominic McDevitt-Parks as the Archives’ first Wikipedian in Residence. Dominic will serve as a liaison between the National Archives and the Wikipedian community.

Dominic, a Masters student in both History and Archives Management at Simmons College in Boston, brings a passion for history and over seven years of Wikipedia editing experience. He describes himself as “a history buff, a word nerd, a news junkie, and an occasional pedant.” As the first National Archives Wikipedian in Residence, Dominic hopes to “foster collaboration between the Wikipedia community and the National Archives for their mutual benefit—or, in reality, the benefit of the public, which both projects serve.”

“By having the permanent records of the federal government available through Wikipedia, the National Archives will reach children, genealogists, educators, researchers, and members of the public who may never have come to the National Archives or seen our website to view our holdings”, said Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero.

“Every cultural institution can have a proactive relationship with Wikipedia because, after all, we’re working in the same field for the same reason, and for the same people”, said Liam Wyatt, Cultural Partnerships Fellow for Wikipedia.

For updates and more information about Wikipedian in Residence Dominic McDevitt-Parks’ projects, stay tuned to NARAtions, the official blog of the National Archives [http://blogs.archives.gov/online-public-access].

For Press information, contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at 202-357-5300.

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