The EMU Archives needs YOU!

The Eastern Michigan University Archives (EMUA) is raising funds to effectively send the EMUA Oral History Program into the community to document and preserve the stories of the individuals and organizations who make Ypsi and EMU the dynamic and truly historic places that they are. In late 2021, EMUA rolled out its brand new mobile oral history recording booth, the EMU Aerie. The Aerie, a 6’x12’ enclosed, towable trailer, allows EMUA staff to bypass physical barriers prohibiting many elderly and disabled interviewees from putting their stories “on the books.” 

But our public history efforts do not end there. In addition to the EMU Aerie, EMUA wishes to hold community scanning events to both augment the stories recorded and to build stronger relationships with the people and organizations who surround this university. A typical public scanning or 'memory swap' event will consist of two stations: the oral recording station (EMU Aerie) and the scanning station. While we are well-equipped to record interviews, our scanning station needs a little help! 

A scanning station will allow individuals to digitally scan their personal photographs and documents for inclusion in the online publication of their oral history interviews -primary source ‘illustrations’ for the interviews themselves- before stepping into the Aerie to tell their stories. Each participant will receive digital copies of all materials scanned and recorded. To make this happen, the following items are needed: 

• Website Build-out
  
• Lexar JumpDrive TwistTurn2 USB Flash Drive
• DSLR Camera  
• Epson Perfection V39 Flatbed Color Photo Scanner
• Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Spinner  
• Extension Cable & Power Strip with YINTAR Surge Protector
• Folding Table
• EZ Pop Up Canopy Tent with Sidewalls
• MacBook Air laptop  
  
  

We know that the last two years have been challenging in ways no one could have been prepared for, and the EMU Archives have seen changes that we are still struggling to cope with. Through all of the upheaval of recent history, we have remained committed to making sure that your voices and your stories are heard and preserved. Help us collect even more of that story by donating to our community  scanning event fundraiser. Any amount is a huge help, and will keep us “making history now.” With your help we will be able to utilize all of the items on our list at a community scanning event at Riverside Arts Center on June 5th!