The MDPLS Community Memory Project: Understanding and Utilizing Community Archives

9/16/24

Imagine sharing your family’s history and influence in Miami-Dade County through personal artifacts, photos or items. Now imagine those items being preserved and documented for future generations to learn about our County’s colorful and deep history.

The Miami-Dade Public Library System’s award-winning Community Memory Project is doing just that. Established by the Library’s Digital Collections Division, the initiative aims to create a visual narrative of the rich cultural heritage of Miami-Dade County, from native Floridians to our growing population of diverse cultural backgrounds.

Community archives like ours are vital initiatives meant to capture and preserve inclusive records that reflect a broad spectrum of histories and experiences from local neighborhoods and cities. These archives, developed by and for the communities they represent, capture a rich landscape of shared understandings, including art, activism, cultural history, identity and heritage.

This commitment is illustrated in our collection of materials related to notable figures such as Felisa ‘Doña Fela’ Rincón de Gautier, the first female mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico, from 1946 to 1969. Her descendants who now reside in South Florida, shared materials from her life that showcased her dedication to enhancing public welfare, in particular housing, public health and employment opportunities for Puerto Rico’s most marginalized residents. Doña Fela’s legacy is celebrated through photographs, personal artifacts and the 1984 production of Fela, the Musical, inspired by her impactful work in Puerto Rico.

Similarly, the Community Memory Project also encompasses the histories of local minority communities. One of these communities was originally known as Gould's Siding. More than 50 years ago, this area was home to settlers due to its proximity to the old train stop on the Florida East Coast Railroad. The railroad depot, located near what is now Southwest 224th Street, was eventually renamed Goulds after Lyman Gould, who operated the railroad siding.

William Randolph, a resident of the Goulds community, was the first African American to file for a homestead. He went on to help other African Americans in his community become landowners by selling most of his 160-acre homestead very inexpensively or by simply giving it away free of charge. Members of the Twyne family (pictured below) lived through much of this important Miami-Dade County history. Originally from Georgia, they moved to Goulds in the 1930s and became influential figures in their local church, Mt. Pleasant Baptist.

Other Miami-Dade County minority communities like Little Havana, Little Haiti and Overtown, also have rich migrant histories and vibrant cultures that should be highlighted and celebrated. Contributions from these historic and resilient communities ensure that future generations understand and appreciate the unique cultural heritage of our County.

The Community Memory Project archive isn’t just a collection, it's a way to preserve our blended community’s history. Residents of all ages are welcome to contribute personal photos, documents and objects from cherished family memories or significant community events to add depth to our shared history.

To participate in the Community Memory Project and share your family’s personal treasures, please visit www.mdpls.org/CommunityMemoryProject or complete the contribution forms linked below.