Activity report (Q1 2012–2013)

This report describes the activities of Wikimedia District of Columbia from October 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012. Wikimedia DC efforts during this time focused on the Wikipedia Loves Libraries campaign, as well as the reception at the National Press Club for Wiki Loves Monuments.

Wiki Loves Monuments 2012

In September we conducted the Wiki Loves Monuments 2012 contest for the United States. During this time, over 22,000 photographs from the United States were contributed to Wikimedia Commons, of which three became finalists for the worldwide contest.

These three finalists were showcased at a reception for the top three finalists at the National Press Club on Friday, December 14, 2012. This reception was part of the National Press Club Young Member Committee's holiday get-together, co-sponsored by 100Reporters, Investigative Reporters and Editors and the Fund for Investigative Journalism. This reception featured high-quality prints of the finalists, as well as informational displays about the contest and the value of using free media in news media. Planning Wikimedia DC's participation in the event took around two weeks. Around five representatives from Wikimedia DC attended, along with over 50 journalists from the DC area. We discovered that Wikipedians and the young journalists group have a great time together, with many complementary skills and interests to share. During this event, we also had productive discussions with a fellow who is working towards development of a local wiki for Washington DC, to serve as a clearinghouse for information about social services. The Young Members Committee enjoyed the event, and they are looking to work with Wikimedia DC in the future.

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  First Place: The Cabin Creek Historic District, Kittitas County, Washington

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  Second Place: Wupatki National Monument, near Flagstaff, Arizona

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  Third Place: Al Mac's Diner-Restaurant, Fall River, Massachusetts

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  "What is Wiki Loves Monuments" display featured at the National Press Club.

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  "Use Free Media In Your Publications" display featured at the National Press Club.

Academic and educational outreach

The crowd being welcomed to the event at the National Museum of Natural History

Wikimedia DC participated in multiple events as part of the Wikipedia Loves Libraries campaign:

Backstage at the Smithsonian Libraries—On October 12, Wikimedia DC worked with the Smithsonian Libraries to hold an edit-a-thon. Around 40 people attended and participated in a new editor training session, including Wikipedians, Smithsonian Institution staff, students, and the general public. At least seven new user accounts were created, and a number of new users had in-depth discussions with experienced Wikimedians about issues related to conflict of interest, an important topic for professionals working in cultural heritage and scholarly institutions. Many articles were created or improved as part of the event. See this report for more information.

George Washington University—We participated with George Washington University on [ two events: one at the Global Resources Center on October 20, and another the Labor History Research Center on October 27. These edit-a-thons gave participants the opportunity to use the resources of GWU to improve Wikipedia on many issues, including labor history and foreign affairs. Attendees included D.C. Wikipedians, GWU faculty, and union members. Twenty-four articles were improved as a result of the edit-a-thons.

University of Maryland Edit-a-Thon—The University of Maryland in College Park held an edit-a-thon in honor of Ada Lovelace Day on October 16.

We also held two Wikipedia Workshops at the Baltimore Free School.

International and diplomatic outreach

Wikimedia DC board member Kristin Anderson attended Choctaw Days at the National Museum of the American Indian to confer with tribal members about the current state of the Choctaw Language Wikipedia, and started a Mohegan Language Wikipedia in consultation with a Mohegan speaker at Wikimania 2012. She has also received e-mails from linguists expressing interest in the Shoshoni and Pipil language Wikipedias, and discovered a Cheyenne language translation of Martin Luther's Small Catechism for Wikimedia Commons. The Library of Congress "Native by Native" events, which showcased rare books and Native American flutes in honor of Native American Month, provided several uploads for Commons.

Kristin would like to thank Wikimedia Foundation staffer Amir Ahironi, Library of Congress staffer Bodhan Kantor, Amqui of Wikimedia Canada, and Paulette of the Missoula Public Library for their assistance with Native American fonts, especially Cheyenne and Salish. A special shout-out goes to Dthomsen8, who pitched in to help clear the 1,800-article assessment backlog at WikiProject Indigenous Peoples of North America. These efforts improve the quality of Native American coverage on Wikipedia, including the Native American language editions.