National Leadership Grant
Tribal Archives, Libraries and Museums:
Preserving Our Language, Memory and Lifeways

Model Project:
Mohawk Cultural and Historical Documents: Preservation and Access

Akwesasne Library and Museum.

We did this project to preserve for future generations, the newspaper clipping vertical files that document Mohawk related news and events from the 1920s to the present. Before the project began it was apparent that documents were in danger of being lost, due to factors such as unintentional misplacement, time and use. Many of the files had not been indexed, making the retrieval of specific documents difficult. As clippings from four daily newspapers were added, the size of the files and the extent of the challenge continued to grow.

Newspaper clipping vertical files.


Martha LaFrance scans clippings.

The project was accomplished by researching existing library standard indexes to determine the most efficient method of searching the material (for users); identifying the equipment needed to digitize the information; prioritizing the files that were digitized; and identifying a community staff person who conducted the digitization project. The project created an opportunity to build on and expand the current professional relationship between the Akwesasne Library and the Northern New York Library Network. The Northern New York Library Network provided guidance and training on how to select and operate a scanner. Later, a demonstration of the project was shared with tribal employees to promote the Akwesasne Library as a resource for other tribal departments who may, in the future, wish to pursue similar digitization projects. Once the project plan was in place, and was vetted through both tribal councils, (U.S. and Canada) the work went smoothly and efficiently.

As a result of the project the Mohawk community as well as researchers, students, professionals and staff can access the important historical and cultural documents. Staff from the Northern New York Library Network offered a source of technical assistance that was critical to the success of the project.

Tom Blauvelt (left) Systems Manager, Northern New York Library Network, Carol White, Akwesasne Library Director, John Hammond, Executive Director, Northern New York Library Network.

Detailed information on the challenges and successes of this model project will be featured at the upcoming national conference of Tribal Archives, Libraries and Museums, Preserving Our Language, Memory and Lifeways, May 24-27, 2005.

Photos by Susan Secakuku

Other Model Projects: Oregon Collaborative Project | Planning for Results