What's Happening?
Eastern Michigan University’s Archives and Center for Oral History Research has received a significant boost for its River Street Anthology project, securing a total of $30,000. This funding comprises a $20,000 LSTA grant from the Library of Michigan and an additional
$10,000 from a private donor. The River Street Anthology, initiated in 2015 by Matt Jones, Director of the Center for Oral History, began as an effort to document local musicians in Ypsilanti following the closure of several music venues. Over four years, Jones recorded more than 600 tracks and captured over 1,000 photographs of musicians across Michigan, encompassing diverse genres such as hip hop, metal, folk, and Native drum circles. These recordings were made in various unconventional locations, including homes, libraries, churches, museums, and even a veterinary office. The project's initial goal was to provide a platform for artists who otherwise lacked opportunities to record their music. Currently, the anthology exists on external hard drives and is not publicly accessible.
Why It's Important?
This funding is crucial for the preservation and accessibility of a unique cultural archive that captures a 'snapshot of music in Michigan,' as described by Matt Jones. The River Street Anthology represents a significant historical record of regional musical talent and diverse genres that might otherwise be lost. By making these recordings accessible, the project will enrich the cultural landscape and provide valuable resources for researchers, music enthusiasts, and the general public. The initiative also highlights the importance of local archives in safeguarding community heritage, especially for artists who may not have mainstream recording opportunities. Furthermore, the project's plan to hire student employees to process the recordings and photographs offers valuable hands-on experience in archival management and digital preservation, contributing to workforce development in the cultural heritage sector. This effort ensures that the stories and sounds of Michigan's musical past are not only preserved but also made available for future generations to appreciate and study.
What's Next?
The $30,000 funding will be primarily allocated to hiring student employees. These students will be tasked with describing all the recordings, matching them with corresponding photographs, and organizing the extensive collection. Brooke Boyst, collections manager of the EMU Archives, stated that the students will be 'putting all of the puzzle pieces together' to make the archive understandable to researchers and to locate any missing files. The archives also have multiple backups, including copies with the Michigan Digital Preservation Network, to ensure the safety of the collection. The ultimate goal is to upload all the recordings to the Omeka site, making them publicly available for anyone to listen to. The EMU Archives staff will also continue to seek additional funding over the next year to support further student employment and ongoing preservation efforts, ensuring the long-term sustainability and accessibility of the River Street Anthology.
Beyond the Headlines
The River Street Anthology project transcends a simple archival effort; it embodies a commitment to cultural democracy and the recognition of grassroots artistic expression. By documenting musicians who lacked conventional recording avenues, the project challenges traditional gatekeepers of music production and distribution, offering a more inclusive narrative of musical history. The emphasis on 'one song, one microphone, and one take' for each artist highlights an authentic, raw capture of talent, reflecting the immediate and unpolished nature of live performance. This approach not only preserves the music but also the unique circumstances and spirit in which it was created. The project's reliance on student labor for organization and digitization also underscores the educational mission of the university, providing practical skills and fostering a new generation of archivists and cultural stewards. This initiative serves as a model for how local institutions can actively engage with and preserve the diverse cultural heritage of their communities.
