By JIMMY LAWTON

OGDENSBURG -- Ogdensburg Historian Julie Madlin is using technology to make history more accessible to the public.

The Heuvelton social studies teacher has been digging through local historical archives and creating videos that people can watch online to learn about the city’s history.

So far, Madlin has created just a few videos featuring former St. Lawrence County judge and lawmaker John Fine, North Country senator Preston King, who was friends with President Andrew Johnson, and suffragist Marion Sanger Frank.

Madlin says Ogdensburg has a lot of history and she wants to make it easier for people to discover it. Her plan is to use quick response codes, commonly known as QR codes. These are similar to barcodes, but they can be scanned using smart phones. Once scanned, the code will direct users to a link where a video can be watched.

Madlin said the focus now is to find away to make the codes available at historical sites and places like the public library. She said the codes need to be durable and not costly to protect them from potential vandals.

“We are still trying to figure out the best way to handle it,” she said.

Although the videos are shot, Madlin says the research takes hours. She says much of her time is spent digging through archives, reading old letters and diaries, and skimming newspapers.

Madlin says she would like to see her students take part in similar projects if there is an interest. She said connecting people with local history is part of her teaching method.

Madlin says students are often surprised to find out that the French and Indian War was fought in St. Lawrence County.

“I think they like the fact that history did really happen all around them. I like to connect with past with where they live,” she said.

Madlin said she is also connecting with people through Facebook, Twitter and a blog.

Madlin’s videos can be viewed at http://ogdensburghistory.blogspot.com.

She can also be followed on social media at https://twitter.com/jmadlin001