Volunteer historian urges digitization of Edgewater artifacts; board backs exploring historical marker

A volunteer historian told Edgewater’s Parks & Recreation advisory board that she has scanned roughly 2,300 images of the city’s artifacts and urged the board to both catalog the collection and pursue partnerships to preserve materials for the long term.

Shannon Rolling, who identified herself as a genealogist and historian, told the board that humidity, pests and repeated photocopying have left some items at risk and described three options: continue local cataloging, place some items on loan with the Southeast Volusia Historical Society (the Sheldon Library) for archival care, or send materials to the University of Central Florida’s RICHES digital repository. “About 2,300 images” have already been captured, Rolling said, and she offered to volunteer as a local representative to coordinate with outside partners.

Board members asked for clarity on ownership and loans; Rolling said items could be loaned to the historical society and that RICHES provides no-cost digitization for participating Florida municipalities once materials are cataloged. After discussion the board voted to place a recommendation before city council to explore installing a historical marker for Dr. John Milton Hawkes and to further investigate cataloging and preservation options.

Several members suggested creating a “Friends of the Edgewater Museum” volunteer group or a city-approved social-media feed to increase public access to historical materials while complying with city use of insignia and posting rules. Rolling said she could coordinate exhibit ideas, school collaborations, and volunteer scheduling once the board clarified scope and direction.

Next steps: staff will prepare a recommendation to take to council about a marker and provide guidance about the catalog/partnership options Rolling discussed.