The Family Archive Project

What We Do

Each year we work with a small number of families to preserve what they have and capture what they remember. We digitize letters, documents, and photographs at archival quality, record an oral history with an elder, and produce a short documentary the family keeps. You end up with two things: files that will outlast the originals, and a film you can show at the next reunion.

How It Works

It starts with a conversation about what your family has kept and who still carries the stories. From there we set a plan: what gets scanned, who gets interviewed, and what the finished piece should be. We handle the archival work and the filmmaking. You decide what is shared and what stays in the family.

What It Costs

Every project is different, so we quote each one honestly: what the work involves, what it takes to do it well, and what your family would contribute. Where we can cover a project with grant funding or donations, we do, and we will tell you where things stand rather than leaving you guessing. If the timing or the cost is not right, we can point you toward steps your family can take on its own.

Your Materials Stay Yours

The letters, photographs, and recordings your family shares remain your family's property. We return the originals along with the digital copies, and we publish or exhibit a story only with your written permission. If you would rather the work stay private, it stays private.

Join Us

If your family has letters, photographs, documents, or an elder whose memory deserves recording, we would like to hear from you. Tell us what you have and where your family is from, and we will be in touch about the Family Archive Project. Email admin@willafoundation.org or use the contact form.