What's Happening?
William Prud’homme, a 34-year-old from Québec, Canada, made a remarkable discovery while sorting through boxes in his father's basement. He found a scrapbook belonging to his great-grandfather, Jean Jules Derome, who was a railway ticket clerk and later worked for Hydro-Quebec. The scrapbook, which Derome began in 1917 at the age of 11, contains portraits, landscapes, animal sketches, and art-school exercises. Prud’homme shared his find on the subreddit r/TheWayWeWere, where it garnered significant attention. The scrapbook offers a glimpse into Derome's creative life, which was previously unknown to Prud’homme, as Derome passed away before he was born. The discovery has inspired Prud’homme to preserve the scrapbook for future generations.
Why It's Important?
The discovery of Jean Jules Derome's scrapbook is significant as it provides a personal and historical insight into the early 20th century through art. It highlights the importance of preserving family history and the potential for unexpected discoveries in personal archives. For Prud’homme, the scrapbook is a tangible connection to his ancestry and a source of inspiration. The public's interest, as seen through the Reddit post's popularity, underscores a broader appreciation for historical artifacts and personal stories. This event also emphasizes the role of digital platforms in sharing and preserving history, allowing for wider engagement and appreciation of personal and cultural heritage.
What's Next?
Prud’homme plans to preserve the scrapbook by ordering an archival binder and creating a preface to contextualize Derome's life and work. He intends to pass it down to future generations of his family or donate it to an institution that can maintain it. This effort reflects a growing trend of individuals taking active roles in preserving their family histories. The public interest in such personal stories may encourage others to explore and share their own family artifacts, contributing to a richer collective understanding of history.
Beyond the Headlines
The discovery of Derome's scrapbook raises questions about the preservation of personal and cultural history. It highlights the potential for everyday individuals to contribute to historical narratives through personal artifacts. The story also touches on the emotional impact of connecting with one's heritage and the role of art in documenting and interpreting personal and historical experiences. As more people engage with their family histories, there may be increased interest in archival practices and the role of digital platforms in preserving and sharing these stories.
