Archives are more than just collections of old documents and objects. They are living records of our shared past, holding stories that connect us to those who came before. But who owns these memories? Whose voices are preserved, and who decides what is kept or forgotten?
The Politics of Archives
In the UK, many grassroots projects have emerged over the years to document and keep the histories of underrepresented communities. These projects face challenges and opportunities. The question of who owns the archive is complex. When the initial funding runs out and communities change, who becomes the keeper of these memories? Is it fair to place this responsibility on just one person? What happens if other community custodians and leaders are absent? Could outside forces take control?
Take the Northamptonshire Black History Archive (NBHA) as an example. Currently, Morcea Walker is the sole trustee left managing the association. The NBHA preserves the rich stories of various communities, including West Indian Caribbean Black, African Black, and Asian groups. However, as people move away and funding dwindles, the question arises: Who will take responsibility for these records? Without key community figures like Morcea, there is a genuine risk that those who might take over may not fully grasp the archive’s significance or respect its purpose. Even more concerning, if no one steps forward to safeguard these records, they could be neglected and potentially lost forever. This loss would erase invaluable cultural histories and undermine the very essence of the archive’s mission to preserve and honour these underrepresented voices.
Institutional powers in the region, such as local councils, record offices, and cultural institutions, play a significant role in how accessible and manageable archives are. The Record Office, for instance, is located out of town, making it difficult for many to reach. The restricted and limited opening hours are other barriers for access. On my recent visit with NBHA, I found the process of ordering and accessing records was full of obstacles. You must follow numerous rules, including producing ID to register as a user, leaving personal belongings in the locker and dealing with limited time slots for ordering records.
To listen to oral history audio recorded on outdated formats like minidisc, we had to request the Record Office to find a suitable playback device, adding more delays. As of writing, I am still waiting to watch a film recorded on a format incompatible with modern desktop PCs. The Record Office is trying to source a compatible device, but this could take months due to their limited staff and budget constraints.
We must address the ownership issues of these Black Archives carefully. It’s about respecting the rights of those whose stories are in the archives. Sharing or using these records without proper consent can undermine their integrity. Should we see these archives as collective assets or as the personal stories of individuals and communities? Ethical thinking and responsible action are needed to keep these memories safe and respected.
What Is an Archive?
The term “archive” is often used casually to refer to any collection of old things that help us remember the past. But it holds much more meaning. Engaging with archives, like the NBHA, often reveals our own biases. Many of us, myself included, have a Eurocentric view that influences how we see archives.
Princeton University’s online course “Into the Archive” defines an archive as: “Materials created or received by a person, family, or organisation, public or private, in the conduct of their affairs and preserved because of their enduring value.” This definition covers not just the materials themselves but also where they are kept and the people involved in looking after them.
Traditionally, archives have been seen through a narrow, Western lens that focuses on written documents and official records. This view often excludes the rich, diverse ways different cultures keep their histories, like oral traditions, dance, and rituals. Embracing a more inclusive approach allows us to appreciate the many forms and stories archives hold.
Archives as Living Entities
Archives are often seen as less glamorous compared to libraries, museums, and galleries. While these other institutions attract visitors with exhibitions and activities, archives are mainly storehouses for unpublished materials and cater to a different group of researchers. But this shows the unique role archives play in capturing and preserving a wide range of voices and stories.
My first encounter with an archive was in 2018 at the Birmingham Chinese Community Archive. I was unprepared for the strict access rules and handling procedures, like having to pre-book visits and store personal belongings away. Although inconvenient at the time, these rules highlight the care and value placed on these materials. As Ann Laura Stoler points out, the systems used in archives reveal much about the cultural and political contexts they come from.
The Digital Age and the Evolution of Archives
The digital age has changed archives dramatically, expanding their reach from historical to corporate, community, and personal realms. Archives are no longer just static collections; they are dynamic, constantly evolving to meet society’s changing needs. This hyperconnectivity reshapes how we remember and forget, both individually and collectively.
Terry Cook’s analysis of the evolution of archives highlights this shift from merely legal records to cultural memory, community engagement, and, ultimately, community archiving. This transformation reflects broader trends, showing how archives adapt to the evolving needs of society.
As we navigate this changing landscape, we must work to make archives more accessible and advocate for their crucial role in preserving our shared history. By embracing diverse stories and understanding the complexities of archives, we can begin to enrich our everyday lives.
In the end, archives are more than collections of documents. They are spaces of memory and identity where the past and present meet. By caring for these spaces and the stories they hold, we honour the rich tapestry of our shared humanity and create a more inclusive and connected future.
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