Project grant/Revitalizing UK History: Enriching Wikidata for Diverse Historical Figures

Basic information

Project Title (If applicable)

Revitalizing UK History: Enriching Wikidata for Diverse Historical Figures

Proposed by

JosefAnthony

Project description

Briefly describe the issue or problem that motivates this application. What needs are you meeting?

Many important UK historical figures, especially those from marginalised groups, are underrepresented or misrepresented on Wikidata. This lack of accurate, accessible data hinders research and education. By enriching Wikidata entries for these figures, we aim to correct historical biases, improve representation, and provide free, structured knowledge to a global audience.

Needs Being Met: - Greater representation of diverse historical figures. - Improved access to reliable historical data. - Support for research and education on UK history.

Describe project activities. What will you use the funding to do?

The funding will be used for the following activities:

Research and Identification: Identify UK historical figures, particularly from underrepresented groups, whose Wikidata entries need to be enriched or created. This will involve extensive research into historical records, academic sources, and other reliable databases.

Data Enrichment: Add missing or incomplete biographical data, such as birth and death dates, occupations, achievements, and affiliations, to improve the Wikidata entries of these figures. This process will ensure the inclusion of relevant historical and social context.

Collaboration and Outreach: Partner with some institution and community groups to verify information and ensure accuracy. Organise online edit-a-thons or workshops to engage the public and increase participation in enriching historical data.

Reporting and Documentation: Compile a final report or blog post summarising the progress, outcomes, and impact of the project, including the number of Wikidata entries enriched and the importance of these updates for research and education.

Describe your plan for evaluating this project. How will you measure success? What types of things will you measure (e.g. content, participants)?

Success will be measured by:

Content: The number of UK historical figures enriched on Wikidata and the completeness of the data added (biographical details, achievements, etc.).

Participants: The number of people contributing to the project, including those attending workshops or edit-a-thons.

Impact: Usage of enriched entries in research and education, and feedback from users of the data.

Reporting: A final summary report documenting outcomes and lessons learned.

Identify key people involved in this project. How will or could the wider Wikimedian community be involved?

Key People Involved:

Project Lead: Responsible for overseeing the project, managing research, and coordinating data enrichment efforts. Researchers and librarians: Provide accurate historical information and ensure data validity for the enriched Wikidata entries. Wikidata Contributors: Volunteers who will actively add and update information on Wikidata. Collaborating Organisations: UK-based institutions that may assist with data verification.

Wider Wikimedian Community Involvement:

Online Edit-a-thons: Engaging the global Wikimedian community in dedicated events to enrich UK historical figures' entries. Collaboration: Open calls for volunteers to contribute data and participate in discussions through Wikidata project pages and social media. Knowledge Sharing: Inviting broader involvement from Wikidata enthusiasts through workshops, webinars, and community forums.

If applicable, identify partnering organisations for this project (not essential)

N/A

Estimated cost

Estimated Cost: £700 This covers research, data enrichment on Wikidata, organising outreach activities, creating a final report, and miscellaneous administrative costs.

Project page

https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Event:Revitalizing_UK_History

Final report

Revitalizing UK History

Enriching Wikidata for Diverse Historical Figures – Final Report: https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Revitalizing_UK_History/Project_Report