Library REAL Archives Project: Call for Community Donations
Published on October 07, 2021
Arlington Public Library is launching the REAL Archives Project, or el Re-Encuentro de Arlington Latinos, designed to illustrate the rich, vibrant history of the Latino community in Arlington County.
This new collection initiative will be launched at the Reencuentro: Latinos in Arlington event and community celebration on Saturday, October 16, 2-5 p.m., in the Barbara M. Donnellan Auditorium at Central Library.
The Center for Local History (CLH) is seeking donations of a variety of materials to document the impact of the Latino community which will inform how Arlington’s history is told and remembered in the future.
REAL is a multi-year collecting initiative with the goal to include more documentation of the Latino community’s history in the CLH’s Arlington Community Archives.
MORE: Learn about REAL
Between 1990 and 2000, the County’s Hispanic/Latino population increased by 52.7%. Today, that sector makes up 15.7% of the Arlington population, and the County is now home to generations of Hispanic/Latino residents.
“Arlington Public Library shares and preserves Arlington’s story through books and other media, programs, family histories and personal recollections. REAL is a concerted effort to collect and share the stories of our Latino neighbors and friends who have made significant contributions to our community,” said Library Director Diane Kresh.
Who should submit
The CLH accepts community donations from individuals, local businesses, cultural organizations, civic associations, churches, education, government and political leaders.
What to submit
Donations may include all materials created in the process of engaging in community, civic, educational or personal pursuits in Arlington County.
The CLH collects, preserves and shares historical documents that tell the history of Arlington County, its citizens, organizations, businesses and social issues. The CLH operates the Research Room at Central Library and the Arlington Community Archives program.
Learn more about the Reencuentro: Latinos in Arlington event
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