Black New Haven Archive:

A Collective Memory Project

Envisioned and led by artist Allison Minto, Black New Haven Archive: A Collective Memory Project supports New Haven families of the Black diaspora in archiving their photographs. Participants learn how to preserve their family’s images and unique history, and are invited to contribute to a collaborative photo book that celebrates Black New Haven life, past to present.

In November 2020, The Building Fund partnered with Allison Minto, Stetson Library, and Artspace on presenting both in-person and virtual workshops, where Black New Haven families learned the technical processes of archiving their photographs, histories, and stories. Family members were engaged as both archivists and historians, and were invited to reflect on questions like:

How and why did your family arrive in New Haven? How would you compare your first memories of New Haven with today? Why do you think it’s important to preserve your family’s photographs? Do you think digital technology reduces the need for this form of archival preservation? When was the last time you took a photograph, and what equipment did you use to take it? Who is your family’s primary historian?

Following the oral history exchange, family members were invited to have a professional portrait taken. These photographs were included in Minto’s publication, and were also printed, framed, and gifted to participants as a token of our appreciation. Participants were also presented with a How-To Toolkit to empower them to replicate this process with additional family and friends.