FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INDIANAPOLIS — For 100 years, the American Red Cross has prevented, prepared for and responded to disasters and emergencies across the entire state of Indiana. This history has been documented through photographs and artifacts that are dispersed among local chapters. The American Red Cross of Indiana is collaborating with IUPUI University Library to create a digital collection that will provide access to images documenting major disaster-response efforts, service to the armed forces, preparedness health and safety training, and volunteers. The collection currently has more than 1,300 images and counting.
In addition to the digitized photographs, the library is creating a unique user experience by providing access to three-dimensional (3-D) artifacts. A user will be able to view Red Cross uniforms, training devices like Mr. Airway, and other 3-D artifacts that capture the significance of the Red Cross.
“This collection is allowing the library to use 3-D technologies to not only view the artifacts but have the capability to 3-D print or download the objects, allowing usability in modeling systems within a classroom setting,” said Jenny Johnson, University Library outreach librarian.
Red Cross officials consider the digitization project an invaluable resource for preserving the organization’s history.
“As our Red Cross in Indiana plans for the celebration of 100 years of helping Hoosiers, we wanted to ensure that our rich history is memorialized for the future,” said John Lyter, CEO of the American Red Cross of Indiana. “Naturally, we turned to another renowned Indiana institution, the IUPUI University Library, and its formidable digital collections to help us with the project. Thanks to the diligent work of the faculty and staff at University Library, our valuable history will be digitized for the education and enjoyment of generations to come.”
In an effort to gather artifacts from local chapters and volunteers, the American Red Cross of Indiana will host two scan-a-thons. The first will take place in Indianapolis Feb. 17; the second will be March 17 in Ft. Wayne. Red Cross volunteers are welcome to bring their assets to be digitized and added to the collection.
About American Red Cross of Indiana
The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. The Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.
About IUPUI University Library
Serving nearly 1 million visitors a year, 10 percent of them community users, the University Library at IUPUI supports students and faculty across all of IUPUI’s more than 200 degree programs with research expertise and a wide array of resources. Resources include signature collections like the Joseph and Matthew Payton Philanthropic Studies Library, the Ruth Lilly Special Collections & Archives, and the Herron Art Library, plus more than 60 digital collections.