Reclaiming Our Collective History

We are obsessed with family stories and how people connect to historic events we read about in textbooks. Did you know that each of us are an important part of history? Your life contributes to the biggest story of all time and it’s very important that you claim your  space and share your narrative (while also ensuring that others get their turn at the mic too).

So... Where could your family’s story take you? 

We sat down with filmmakers and podcasters Larissa Lam and Baldwin Chiu to discuss the film, Far East Deep South. Their family’s search for their roots lead them to discover how exclusionary immigration laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 impacted their family. On the podcast we discuss this and how we improve history education to reflect a more inclusive narrative of who belongs, how we unearth missing cultural narratives, and the ways that many groups have worked together to contribute to the American story. 

More voices! More power!

How do we use stories so that we are inspired to invest in each other and connect with each other? We put together some discussion questions and activities to encourage everyone to think about why each of us should do a bit of digging in the past and how our collective stories make up our shared history.

Collective History Discussion Questions
​(for Families and Classrooms)

1. Why does your family history matter? Why should you tell your own story?
   
2. If history is telling stories about the past, why are we ok with our perspectives being so narrow when there are so many amazing stories to be shared?
   
3. How can we evolve history curriculum to reflect an American tale that represents the contributions and experiences of everyone?
   
4. How do we balance our own identities while also showing up for other people and other communities?
   
5. How would sharing family stories or cultural history make stronger connections between different kinds of people?
   
6. How can I connect with grandparents, older neighbors and friends to unearth the hidden and human stories that connect to the historic moments I’ve read about in history class?
   
7. Some cultural history - specifically records relating to enslavement, adoption, and areas impacted by natural disasters- have been erased or destroyed. How do we build the empathy to support friends, family, and community members that cannot trace their heritage back to their origins?

Collective History Activities
​(for Families and Classrooms)

The Family Arborist

Who was born to whom and when? ...But most importantly where were they when important historic dates happened? Was your family in America or had they not even arrived yet?

Part 1: Are you ready to unearth surprising family discoveries? Become a super sleuth! Use family genealogy platforms, websites, and apps: 
National Archives, genealogy sites, historical societies, or local records

Part 2: Go Make It Pretty! Check out these Family Tree templates via Canva: https://www.canva.com/graphs/family-trees/

​Part 3: Connect important dates in American History to your family. Where were they during the signing of the Declaration of Independence, World War I & II, the Great Depression, 9/11, Lincoln's Assassination, the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, etc.
​​

The Family Documentarian 

​YOUR history is important. Grab a camera, grab a mic, grab a willing participant and get going! Collect family stories via video (camera or phone), virtual meeting platforms like Zoom, or use audio only recording apps like voice memo, StoryCorps, etc.

Need student-friendly camera tips? Check out these short Student Reporting Lab Tutorials: https://studentreportinglabs.org/tutorials/ 

Need student-friendly audio recording tips? Check out this resource from NPR: https://www.npr.org/2018/11/15/662070097/starting-your-podcast-a-guide-for-students

Listen to the Podcast!