Description
Looking to start an archive for your community or organization? This workbook shares step-by-step guidance to make your archive work for you.
Introduction
This workbook was written for frontline and community-based organizations who are looking might already have a lot of archival material that is part of their day-to-day work, but would like some help thinking about what to do with it. Created by Dr. Ashton Merck of the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science, this workbook includes:
- Helpful definitions and tips, including what you might archive, how you might build one for your organization, and how a community or organizational archive can help steward your community’s legacy.
- A step-by-step breakdown of the archival process, tailored specifically for frontline community-based organizations.
- Reflection prompts to help decide what archiving practices are best for you and your organization.
From 2025-2026, the Research and Engagement team at the Museum of Life and Science supported a cohort of FRI Narrative Sovereignty and Story Justice grantees through tailored technical assistance and support on storytelling projects, one of which was this workbook. During initial conversations with grantees and other community partners, the Museum team recognized that frontline organizations needed a practical, step-by-step guide that would allow them to preserve their story without distracting from their ability to do frontline work. The Museum team drew on their collective years of experience in oral history, science communication and community engagement to develop the first version of this workbook, which was shared with grantees at an in-person convening of the grantees in New Orleans, Louisiana.
