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Project Goal
Project Goal
The goal of this project was to examine how obituary practices in Indianapolis have evolved over time and to understand what these changes reveal about
shifting cultural values
social structures
and memorialization practices.
By analyzing obituaries from 1927, 1968, and 2020, the research aimed to highlight how public remembrance reflects broader
historical
technological
and societal transformations
ultimately viewing obituaries as cultural texts that contribute to collective memory.
Project importance
Project importance
This project is important because it demonstrates how obituaries—often overlooked as routine texts—serve as valuable cultural artifacts that reflect changing societal values, norms, and identities.
By tracing how public memorialization evolved over nearly a century, the research reveals how communities
process grief
construct legacy
and adapt remembrance practices
in response to historical events and technological change.
It also contributes to ongoing conversations in
anthropology
media studies
and public history
by showing how memory and identity are shaped through everyday cultural expressions.
Project obstacles
Project obstacles
Limited access to historical records- Some obituaries in 1927 were difficult to locate due to missing archival issues, or not having an obituary section during the time examined.
Legibility and inconsistency in source material- Older documents were sometimes harder to read making transcription a tad difficult.
Subjectivity in coding qualitative data- Analyzing tone, themes, and language required careful judgement, as qualitative coding can introduce personal bias without clear standards.
Time intensive nature of archival research- Collecting, organizing, and analyzing 72 obituaries across three decades in a short span of time was labor-intensive and really required managing time effectively alongside my other academic and personal life responsibilities.
overcoming obstacles
overcoming obstacles
To address limited access to records, I used multiple archival databases, including Hoosier State Chronicles and ProQuest Newspapers, and searched alternative sources like funeral home websites to supplement gaps.
When facing legibility issues, I cross-referenced names, dates, and publication details to verify unclear text and consulted duplicate entries when available. I also improved transcription accuracy by zooming in on scans and working in distraction-free environments.
To minimize subjectivity in qualitative coding, I developed a consistent coding framework with clearly defined categories and examples. I also periodically reviewed and adjusted entries for consistency as patterns emerged.
To manage the time-intensive nature of the research, I created a structured timeline with weekly goals for data collection, coding, and writing. This helped me stay organized and balance the project alongside other coursework.
new skills
new skills
Throughout this research project, I developed a range of job-relevant skills that directly contribute to my career goals in anthropology, archives, and library work. These include:
Archival Research Proficiency
Gained experience locating and interpreting historical records across multiple platforms, including digitized newspapers and funeral home archives.Content Analysis and Coding
Created and applied a structured coding framework to analyze qualitative data, improving my ability to identify patterns and trends over time.Data Organization and Management
Used tools like Excel to compile, code, and analyze large sets of obituary data across three decades with attention to structure and consistency.Historical Interpretation
Contextualized obituary content within social and political events, enhancing my ability to interpret and explain historical trends to a broader audience.Time Management and Project Planning
Managed a long-term independent research project by setting clear goals and balancing deadlines with other academic responsibilities.Close Reading and Detail Orientation
Improved my ability to work with historical documents that required accuracy, care, and patience, particularly with hard-to-read or incomplete materials.
translating skills
translating skills
These new skills are highly transferable to professional roles in libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural institutions. For example:
Archival research and data organization are essential for cataloging materials, curating collections, and supporting public access to historical records.
Content analysis and coding translate well to roles involving metadata tagging, database management, and digital preservation.
Historical interpretation supports exhibit design, public programming, and educational outreach in institutions that communicate history to broad audiences.
Time management and project planning are crucial for coordinating multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and maintaining workflow in busy environments.
Detail orientation and close reading ensure accuracy in document handling, transcription, and cataloging, where small errors can have lasting impacts.
Together, these experiences have equipped me with the tools to work thoughtfully, efficiently, and ethically in environments where information stewardship and cultural preservation are core values.
pursuing my goals
pursuing my goals
This project has been more than just an academic requirement, it has been a deeply meaningful experience that shaped both my sense of purpose and professional direction.
Through the quiet, careful work of reading obituaries, each one a life condensed into a few paragraphs, I found myself not only studying cultural change, but also feeling a deep personal connection to the ways people are remembered, mourned, and honored across time.
Academic Growth
Academic Growth
This research challenged me to apply anthropological theory in a way that was tangible, human-centered, and emotionally resonant.
It taught me how to analyze culture not just through systems and structures, but through intimate, everyday texts that reveal powerful insights about:
Identity
History
Belonging
Through this, I became a more thoughtful researcher, a clearer writer, and a more empathetic observer of the human experience.
Professional Alignment
Professional Alignment
This experience reaffirmed my passion for working in spaces where memory, history, and access intersect, whether in a library, archive, or museum.
I gained concrete, transferable skills in:
Archival research
Digital organization
Historical interpretation
These tools will serve me well in roles that focus on preserving and sharing cultural stories.
But beyond skill-building, this project reminded me of why I want to do this work:
Because preserving memory is an act of care, and helping others access those memories is a form of service.
Looking Ahead
Looking Ahead
In every obituary I read, I didn’t just see a record—I saw a legacy.
This project helped me realize that my career goals aren’t just about managing information—they’re about:
Honoring lives
Understanding culture
Building bridges between the past and the present
That’s the kind of work I want to dedicate my life to.
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