Why Archives Matter: Exploring Black British History Through Archival Preservation

Archives are more than just old records – they are the footprints of human experience, preserving the stories, languages, and traditions that shape who we are. They serve as society’s memory, holding the foundations of our culture and history. Through archives, we uncover what past generations valued and, sometimes, what they overlooked. The gaps in these records tell us that many stories are still waiting to be shared.

Archives for Everyone: Beyond the Historian’s Lens

Archives aren’t just for historians or archivists – they play a crucial role for everyone. They’re used by public and private organisations to safeguard important documents, and they help citizens protect their rights. 

While seasoned archivists might navigate these records with ease, it’s not always that simple for the rest of us. Many of us are just beginning to explore these rich collections, and it can feel overwhelming.

What Makes Archives Special

What makes archives special is the unique and irreplaceable information they hold. These materials range from manuscripts, letters, and diaries to photographs, films, and even digital records. 

Archives offer more than just evidence of past events – they spark questions: 

• Who decides what stories get preserved? 

• Whose voices are missing? 

• And how can we find the archives that connect with our own lives, histories, and communities today?

The Gaps in Black British History: Why We Must Approach Archives Critically

When it comes to Black cultural heritage in Britain, we need to approach archives critically. Even if a document seems “accurate,” we have to ask: what cultural context is missing? 

Archives often reflect the power dynamics of their time, and too often, the voices of marginalised communities, especially Black Africans in Britain, are left out. This absence shapes a limited and sometimes misleading version of British history.

Expanding the Archives: Storytelling and Oral Histories

Because of this, Black cultural heritage in Britain is often better explored through oral histories, music, performance, and storytelling. These forms capture the richness of Black experiences that traditional archives have sometimes failed to preserve. 

In 2019, we asked the question: Is it time for a Black British Museum? This question highlights a significant void in our national institutions, which has led to fragmented and partial historical narratives that continue to shape ideas of British history and identity in distorted ways.

Reimagining Black British History: The Role of Critical Fabulation

While this leads to a fragmented view of history, it also presents an opportunity to reimagine and reconstruct a fuller narrative. 

As cultural scholar Saidiya Hartman suggests, we can combine historical archives with creative approaches like critical race theory. This method, called “critical fabulation,” allows us to reframe history in ways that bring missing voices and experiences to light. It reminds us that the stories we tell, and the way we tell them, shape the future just as much as they reflect the past.

At Museum X, we are pioneering a trauma-informed approach to archiving, ensuring the sensitive handling of Black British histories.

Our award-winning film, "To Whom Does This Belong?", showcases this approach. This short documentary, a recipient of a UK Museum Award, was produced through a collaborative effort between Caroline Deeds of Falmouth University and Ashton John, in partnership with Black Voices Cornwall CIO and Cornwall Museums Partnership.

"To Whom Does This Belong?" sheds light on the often-overlooked narratives of Black Cornish history and the enduring legacy of African people in Cornwall. It serves as a poignant example of the delicate handling required when engaging with historically sensitive materials.

Image credit

Ashton John