New project reveals the stories behind Lawrence favorite spaces
Lawrence, KS, May 3, 2018– eXplore Lawrence is thrilled to announce the launch of Lawrence: Block-by-Block, a project that reveals the then and now of the buildings we dine, shop, and dance in.
The Block-by-block project began in the spring of 2017 in a journalism class at the University of Kansas. All research was conducted and compiled by students in JOUR 302: Infomania, a required undergraduate class at the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications, in which students learn to find information and evaluate its credibility.
The project was conceived by Peter Bobkowski, an associate professor in the school of journalism. Impressed with his students’ research, he knew there had to be a way to display it for public consumption. He approached eXplore Lawrence with the idea of displaying his students work on UnmistakablyLawrence.com, and the partnership began.
Lawrence: Block-by-Block is housed on UnmistakablyLawrence.com and features timelines for buildings the students have done research for. Most of the timelines also include downloadable audio stories that give even more insight into the history of the buildings. There are timelines for the buildings that currently house Merchant Pub & Plate, Rudy’s Pizzeria, RND Corner Grille, Jefferson’s Restaurant, The Burger Stand, Greenhouse Culture, Urban Outfitters, and The Granada. More timelines and audio stories will be added as JOUR 302 students complete their research.
eXplore Lawrence is charged with creating economic development for Lawrence and Douglas County by inspiring travel to the area.
“History and heritage travelers spend more time and money in a destination than the average leisure traveler,” said Andrea Johnson, eXplore Lawrence. “We are always looking for new content and innovative ways to connect with this market, so this partnership makes perfect sense for eXplore Lawrence to be involved in.”
Historical research experts generously assisted students: Melissa Fisher Isaacs at the Lawrence Public Library, Caitlin Donnelly Klepper and Kathy Lafferty at the Spencer Research Library, Monica Davis at the Watkins Museum of History, and Brenna Buchanan Young of Gastinger Walker.
# # #
Lawrence: Block-by-Block website: https://unmistakablylawrence.com/blockbyblock
If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Andrea Johnson at (785) 856-5284 or email at ajohnson@explorelawrence.com.
