This chapter is an exploration of community projects in which members have been engaged in writing their own histories. In the examples cited, oral history and photographs are used as building blocks to tell community stories and are eventually the basis of community collections, archives or exhibitions. In this chapter these initiatives are interpreted as acts of community autobiography – they are a means for groups to research, construct and disseminate their histories for themselves. The examples discussed in this chapter were developed with the assistance of local museums or other learning bodies, and the analysis is based upon discussions with those involved in the projects, such as the members, museum curators and tutors. Participants have shared with me the nature of the projects, the rationale underpinning their development, and the significance of the projects to their institution or local community. They place immense value on the local experience and the stories of individuals, places and groups, which in many cases are being told for the first time. This self-construction of group narratives is revealed as highly meaningful and purposeful: these histories are shared amongst the group for the purposes of drawing members closer and to achieve a common goal.

COMMUNITIES WHO WRITE HISTORIES

Oral history projects, archives and exhibitions have become tools for community groups seeking to establish their position. Even a brief search of the internet reveals countless examples of community groups engaged in community history projects offered for public view.