The Global Early Modern Certificate Program is  organizing a symposium on archival research titled “Chasing the Archive: History, Theory, Practice.” The symposium is scheduled for April 19, from 3 to 7 PM. The event will include workshops on the history and practice of archives and discussions on the methodological and theoretical aspects of archival research. In addition, there will be a round table discussion at 5 PM, where scholars from various institutions such as the Graduate Center, NYU, Colombia, and the University of New Hampshire will share their insights and expertise on topics related to archives.

Professor Monica Calabritto invites History students to participate. Please apply here.

• Presence/Absence: Archives are an important tool for preserving history. The process of selecting what to include and exclude from an archive carries great significance. While the presence of certain materials is important, the absence of certain materials can hold equal weight. Creating archives requires a mindful approach that takes into account the impact of archived and non-archived materials on the shape and significance of the archive.
• Memory: How is memory archived? What role does the archive play in our interactions with the past and history itself?
• Preservation: How are the ideas of archive and preservation connected? What steps are necessary to preserve the archived material for future generations?
• Access: The level of access an archive has is determined by those who create, guard, and maintain it.
• Location/Architecture: The location of the archive is also significant. Does it have a physical location? If so, what does it look like? How does the physical location contribute to the archive?
• Technology: Exploring the transformative power of technology, how can we reimagine the meaning, production, and accessibility of archives?
• Personal connections: Archives can be regarded not only as historical, architectural, and theoretical places, but also as locations that can only be accessed by invitation through a network of social and professional connections. These sites provide opportunities for scholars to form communities and engage in collaborative projects, resulting in fruitful outcomes.

A reception with light refreshments will follow.

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