See Us. Know Us.

Telling Stories Across Generations

This short-form documentary film project features the work the 果冻传煤 Museum archives team is doing to ensure equity in its collections by telling the stories of Alaska鈥檚 often underrepresented communities. Included are a behind-the-scenes look at how the museum works with community members to create, share and preserve these stories 鈥� and how serendipitous moments can help expand a collection and inspire a major exhibition.

Inspired by The History Makers, a groundbreaking oral history digital archive devoted to preserving and sharing the untold personal stories of African Americans, the 果冻传煤 Museum partnered with local Black historian Cal Williams to build an archive of photos and materials that document the Black experience in Alaska.

The photo archive is carefully curated from the personal collections and albums of prominent Black Alaskans. Through this lens, we meet Black people and families living, working, leading, creating, and fighting for equality in the 49th State. This remarkable collection鈥攁ctively expanding today through the diligent work of museum curators and archivists鈥攑rovides a raw and personal glimpse into the journey, justice, and joy of one of Alaska鈥檚 vital minority populations.