Archives at the University of Michigan have been working to develop new connections and relationships around the state of Michigan in the hopes of re-envisioning and re-connecting collections to communities in engaging and ethical ways. We are working to develop a paradigm of “shared stewardship.” When the Smithsonian adopted a Shared Stewardship and Ethical Returns policy in 2022, Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian, described the policy as “a cultural shift in our concepts of possession, ownership, and stewardship of collections.” The Smithsonian’s new policy is designed to address the harm caused by the museum’s past extractive practices and engage, consult, and work collaboratively with descendants and communities represented in their collections.

At the University of Michigan, we are building on this approach, which has become increasingly common in museums, to apply it to archival collections and communities of records. In May 2026, we are hosting a symposium on the topic, which will feature contributions from unique archives-community collaborations from around the State and allow for productive conversations about how to build and encourage further shared stewardship among Michigan archives.

Our goals in hosting the symposium are to:

- Create an opportunity for archivists from a variety of institutions across Michigan to share and discuss different ways to document diverse histories and build collaborative relationships between archives and records creators
- Explore new approaches to the archival record, programming and outreach, and teaching and research at archives across the state that will foster and create more diverse and comprehensive histories of life in Michigan
- To build toward a set of best practices that will support and encourage archival professionals across Michigan, and the nation, to foster collaborative relationships with records creators and source communities.

The symposium will feature three panels and will be followed by a keynote panel and a reception. Attendees may also attend the panel and keynote events via webinar, which is free and requires registration.

The symposium will take place online and on the UM-Ann Arbor campus on May 21, 2026, and is part of the Towards Community-Based, Shared Stewardship project. It is free and open to ALL to attend.

The Communities in Conversation: Towards Community-Based Shared Stewardship in Michigan Archives Symposium is co-presented by the Bentley Historical Library, the School of Information, and the Inclusive History Project.

Questions? Email us at inclusivehistory@umich.edu.

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Schedule

Doors open to the public
9:45am

Welcome, Opening Remarks, and Symposium Framing from IHP Co-Chair Earl Lewis and CiC Symposium Organizers
10:00am – 10:30am

Location: Dow Room, 4th Floor, Leinweber Bldg

Session 1: “Listening” Panel Discussion
10:30am – 12/noon

This panel examines collaborations between archival repositories, libraries, and local communities to preserve community histories in ways that are responsive to community needs. Panelists will discuss and explore what it means to develop archival projects that preserve and provide access to history in ways that center community needs.

Panelists: Eric Gollanek, Lindsay Hiltunen, Sarah Lundy, and Sarah Fayen Scarlett
Moderator: Michelle McClellan

Location: Dow Room, 4th Floor, Leinweber Bldg

Free, catered lunch
12/noon – 1:15pm

Session 2: “Engaging” Panel Discussion
1:15 – 2:45pm

This panel reflects on a core question that repositories face when they decide they want to engage in shared stewardship: where do I start? Panelists will discuss their experiences doing outreach to source communities or working with organizations as a community member. They will together consider how to begin building a relationship, what actions build trust, and how those experiences can differ across various organizations and communities.

Panelists: Finn Bell, Marcia Black, and Eric Hemenway
Moderator: Alexis Antracoli

Location: Dow Room, 4th Floor, Leinweber Bldg

Coffee break
2:45 – 3:00pm

Session 3: “Capacity Building” Panel Discussion
3:00 – 4:30pm

Panelists discuss what it takes to actually build and sustain a program, platform, or service that meets community needs. The panel will tackle issues such as technological infrastructure, funding, volunteers, shared decision-making, and creative problem solving. Together, the panelists will explore the challenges and promise of creating and sustaining projects and programs that center the preservation of community histories in the context of shared power.

Panelists: Andrew MacLaren, Carrie Marsh, and Annika Peterson
Moderator: Jesse Johnston

Location: Dow Room, 4th Floor, Leinweber Bldg

Coffee break
4:30 – 5:00pm

Session 4: Communities in Conversation Keynote Roundtable with Diana Marsh, Jennifer Garcon, and Selena Ortega-Chiolero
Moderator: Ricardo Punzalan
5:00 – 6:15pm

Location: Large Lecture Hall, 1st Floor, Leinweber Bldg

Communities in Conversation Reception with light fare.
6:30pm – 7:30pm

Location: Location: Bentley Historical Library, 1150 Beal Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109