The signature program of our Community-Driven Archives (CDA) project was Archivist in a Backpack. The idea behind Archivist in a Backpack was simple: documenting personal, family, local, and community histories requires tools.
Our community partners received a backpack filled with tools to support their archival projects. Our team provided the starter kit along with hands-on support and training.
Our backpacks traveled the world: from a First Nation in Canada to Germany to Mexico, as well as across the American South.
Backpacks came in two types:
A roller-bag suitcase filled with tools and equipment used in caring for and digitizing physical archival collections
A regular backpack filled with tools and equipment used in caring for archival collections and collecting oral histories
Build your own Archivist in a Backpack kit: Check out our supplies list.