The capturing of memories through storytelling and treasured artifacts is crucial in the preservation of family and neighborhood histories. Weeksville Heritage Center hopes to empower area residents to save that history.

Their “Archives for Black Lives” event this month is a full-day workshop with oral history and archive experts offering advice and sharing their thoughts on the importance of preserving memories of the black experience. Attendees of all ages are encouraged to come and bring a physical photograph that has deep meaning to their family or community. It may be a photograph that is a bit of a puzzle because you aren’t sure of the story or need some advice on how to properly care for the image.

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A 1970s archeological dig at Weeksville’s Hunterfly Road. Photo via Weeksville Heritage Center

The photographs and memories of attendees will play a huge part in the day. Obden Mondésir, the Oral History Project Manager at Weeksville, will lead participants through the process of recording the stories inspired by the images. To make sure the photographs survive, Celeste Â-Re, with the Library of Congress’ National Audio-Visual Conservation Center, will provide tips and best practices on digitization. Attendees will be able to put those tips to use by scanning their photos during the workshop.

The day will also include discussions on community archives, lunch and tours of the historic Hunterfly Road Houses

The event takes place on Saturday, October 27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Weeksville Heritage Center at 158 Buffalo Avenue in Crown Heights. For a full list of all the activities planned for the day or to register for the free event, click here.

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