Community Archive & Family History
Welcome to Our Community Archive Initiative
Many Asian American histories in Austin remain in private homes—stored in boxes, albums, and personal collections passed down through generations.
The Asian American Art & Culture Initiative (AAACI) works with families and community members to identify, document, and preserve these materials as part of long-term public history and educational research projects.
This page provides an opportunity to express interest in learning more about community-based archival preservation. Submission does not require immediate participation or commitment.
Our community archive initiative
What is a Community Archive
A community archive refers to historical materials preserved through collaboration with families and community members rather than solely through institutional collections.
These materials often offer perspectives, lived experiences, and local histories that are missing from official records but are essential to understanding Austin’s cultural heritage.
Examples of Materials
You may have materials such as:
- Family photographs or albums
- Letters, documents, or certificates
- Business or organizational records
- Personal objects with historical significance
- Audio or video recordings
Materials do not need to be digitized or formally organized.
How Participation Works
- Submit a brief interest form below
- AAACI reviews submissions to understand preservation needs
- Selected participants may be contacted for follow-up conversations
- Preservation, digitization, or documentation options are discussed collaboratively
All participation is voluntary and non-commercial.
This initiative is part of AAACI’s ongoing work to preserve and share Asian American history through research, oral history, and public education.