At Ancient Ways Revealed, we delve into a variety of categories that reflect our commitment to preserving and exploring the rich heritage of the Southwest. Our offerings include:
- Longform Chapters: In-depth explorations of historical and cultural narratives.
- Ritual Studies: Investigations into the practices and significance of rituals in ancient cultures.
- Southwest Archives: A collection of resources and documents that highlight the unique history of the Southwest region.
Each category is designed to provide insights and knowledge, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Ancient Ways. We aim to create a space where individuals can connect with the past and understand the cultural significance of ancient practices.
Whether you are a scholar, a student, or simply curious about the ancient ways of the Southwest, our categories offer a pathway to discovery and learning. Join us as we reveal the ancient wisdom that continues to shape our world today.
Moving Family and Community Tapes from VHS to Disc or Digital Files
Many Southwest households, historical societies and community groups still hold boxes of VHS tapes: recorded feast days, elders telling stories, school pageants, oral history interviews and home videos of places that have since changed. Magnetic tape degrades over time, and working VCRs are becoming harder to find, so transferring these recordings is one of the most practical heritage tasks a family can take on.
Check the tapes before you start
Inspect each cassette for mould, which often shows as white or grey spots on the tape edges, and for creases or snapped tape. Mouldy tapes can damage a player's heads and spread to other cassettes, so set them aside for a professional. Let tapes stored in hot garages or cold sheds sit at room temperature for a day before playing them.
The equipment involved
- A reliable VCR, ideally one with clean heads. A player with a built-in time base corrector, if you can find one, helps stabilise wobbly images.
- A capture device that connects the VCR's composite or S-Video output to a computer by USB.
- Capture software that records to a common format such as MP4, plus enough storage space, since an hour of video produces a large file.
DVD or digital files?
A DVD is convenient for relatives who like to watch on a television, but recordable discs can also fail after years, and many new computers lack disc drives. For long-term keeping, treat the digital file as the master copy and the DVD as a viewing copy. Keep at least two copies of the files in different places, such as an external drive and a cloud service.
Label and describe as you go
A digitised tape is only useful if people know what it shows. Name files with the date, place and event, and keep a simple log noting who appears and who recorded it. Where recordings show ceremonies or private community gatherings, ask the families or community involved before sharing them widely; some material is meant to stay within the group.
If the job feels large, local transfer services and some libraries offer help. For more on caring for documents and recordings, browse our Archives and the practical Guides section.
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