“Storytelling provides safe conditions for daring decisions.”

—Micaela Blei

When did you decide that you wanted to be an archivist? What was your first encounter with an archives? How did you handle a challenge in your work? What is a unique, serendipitous, moving, mysterious, special, or humorous experience you’ve had as an archivist?

If you would like the chance to share your story, then pitch it to us! In 100 to 200 words, tell us about your archives story. (Please don’t give us a cliff-hanger; you should summarize the whole story.) Great pitches will let us know what happened, what changed for you (or the world!), and what was at stake.

During “A Finding Aid to My Soul,” archivists from a variety of institutions and experience levels will share 5-minute true, personal stories of their connections to archives they have encountered. The virtual event—on Wednesday, October 6, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm CT—will be hosted by award-winning storyteller and educator Micaela Blei (The Moth, Risk). Sponsored by SAA’s Committee on Public Awareness, it is part of American Archives Month and will be recorded.

We’re looking for a wide range of voices to share their experiences. Absolutely no storytelling or performance experience necessary. Bonus: Micaela will be available to support you as you practice your story. 

You may think that your story is not “dramatic” enough. We beg to differ! We want to hear stories with high stakes as well as small, intimate stories of the work you do and the personal ways it connects to your life. If it mattered to you, it will matter to us, too. (If you need some inspiration, listen to selections from past “Finding Aid to My Soul” events on the Archives in Context podcast.)

Pitches are due August 31. Selected storytellers to be notified by Sept. 5. 
Pitch it here! 

Want to listen to more? Selections from past Finding Aid to My Soul events can be found on the Archives in Context (season 3) podcast.