Creating an archive for enduring access

May 12, 2010

In 2002, Confluence Project set out to inspire the future preservation of our cultural and natural resources. This summer will see the completion of the fourth of seven planned installations—the Story Circles at Sacajawea State Park in Pasco, Washington—that combine significant landscape restoration, environmental enhancements and permanent art installations by Maya Lin. In 2005 and 2006, the pioneering Confluence in the Schools project engaged 6,000 Washington and Oregon K-12 students to create their own artworks and experiences. Along the way we’ve assembled a rich collection of stories, artifacts and images documenting our progress.

Now we have another journey of our own to complete. Understanding the critical need to document and make searchable these historical and culturally significant materials, Confluence will undertake to build an archive. We’ve engaged and brainstormed with an archive expert. And we’re currently in the process of applying for grants to fund the tasks involved in properly archiving and documenting the project. The completed archive will provide invaluable access to Confluence records for research, education and historical posterity. Stay tuned for news on this endeavor to ensure the lasting significance of Confluence Project!