One of the components of the Archivist Project is ensuring the memories of the past are relevant for those in the present and the future. Lately, I’ve been creating videos and interactive modules for current and future exhibits. I’ve begun the opening stages of organizing the photos, films, and materials we have in our archives. Through the years, as part of my “hobby” of history, I’ve made friends with descendants of local law enforcement men who served our county from the 1880s to the 1920s. In the next few weeks, they will come to Graham to give me their treasured photos as part of the archivist project.
This is one of my favorite photos of Graham’s history. This photo shows the groundbreaking ceremony for the 1921 Methodist Episcopal Church South building. In the background, is the 1908 First Baptist Church building. Notice the two young boys, in white shirts, who are front and center in the photo? That is Bruce and Boyd Street. The first time I met these two men together, they were walking the streets of Graham picking up trash as they walked to their office. I have fond memories of these two men and they were some of my early mentors in my Graham history research. The Archivist Project exists to keep the memory of people alive. How did they shape our community? What was their story? Who were the other people in the photo? As always, that’s another story.