Shoeboxing

Shoeboxing is a community archiving approach that empowers individuals to become active participants in preserving and sharing their stories. It draws on the idea that many of us have “shoeboxes” under our beds or tucked away in closets filled with photos, memorabilia, and ephemera from our lives.

Instead of letting these memories sit dormant, Shoeboxing encourages us to open these boxes, share their contents, and contribute to a collective history that reflects the lived experiences of our community.

Cleaning Out Our Closets

The idea for Shoeboxing came from the realization that so many people are holding precious memories but face barriers to sharing them. For us this was made clear through experiences with local residents who had collected treasure troves of photos and other ephemera from their time growing up in Southwest Detroit, but struggled with the logistical and emotional weight of preparing and sharing them on their own.

We recognized that the process of archiving could be more accessible and community-centered than it is. What if we didn’t ask people to give up their memories, but instead encouraged them to share them on their own terms, in their own time, and with others sharing the lift? This led us to develop a collaborative method—rooted in our local needs—that anyone could participate in.

Why Shoeboxing Matters

Shoeboxing is about more than just collecting photos or stories; it’s about activating memories and constructing shared histories.

When we come together to share our personal archives, we create connections between seemingly distant stories (and people), forming constellations of collective memory. This process not only preserves the past but also helps us understand the present and imagine a shared future.

Shoeboxing fits into our mission to present the authentic voices and experiences of our community. By lowering the barriers to archiving, we enable everyone—regardless of background or expertise—to participate in creating a people-powered history.

We Are All Archivists

Through the Shoeboxing approach, you don’t need formal training or expertise. All you need is your lived experience and a willingness to share. This process empowers community-driven storytelling, lowering barriers and centering local voices in the creation of our shared history.

Ready To Start Shoeboxing?

Participating in Shoeboxing is simple and collaborative. Here’s how you can contribute:

1. Share Your Memories: Gather photos, letters, or mementos from your own personal "shoeboxes". You don’t need to part with these items; instead, invite us to come to you—or bring them to an iSWD event—and we’ll photograph the items in your hands while you share the story behind them.

2. Tell Your Story: Alongside your photos we record oral histories and transcribe the personal narratives that accompany your memories.

3. Community Building: Once these stories are shared, they become part of a larger archive, available for viewing, discussion, and community building. This process fosters unlikely connections and encourages deeper relationships within the community.

How You Can Get Involved!

If you’re ready to activate your memories and contribute to The Southwest Detroiter community archive, let’s connect for a Shoeboxing session. You can start at home by gathering your own memories and reflecting on the stories they tell. For more information on upcoming events or to share your story, call or text us at (313) 744-2077 to get involved in this exciting community-driven project.

By coming together, we turn our shoeboxes into shared histories that guide us into a collective future.