DoHistory, established by the Harvard Film Study Center, explores the process of historical research through the case study of Martha Ballard. The 18th-century midwife and healer is the subject of the film and book A Midwife's Tale. This very appealing site contains images to enhance the topics presented. Users can easily locate the different sections of the site from the image map and hyperlinks.
Most sections have an additional navigation menu.
This site features primary-source documents presented both as images of the original and transcriptions. In addition to the online searchable version of the entire 27-year diary, users will find maps, letters, court records, and medical texts. Excerpts from A Midwife's Tale, and video clips of the movie are available for viewing. Doing History offers two interactive examples of how information can be pieced together to provide a look into the life and times of a person from the past. Students will find tools, tips, and information about doing their on research in the On Your Own section.