Corey Lewis discusses the impact of community archives in preserving cultural heritage and empowering underrepresented voices
On November 6, 2024, UMD students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends joined us for the latest CAFe Speaker Series.
Abstract: Community archives are crucial in preserving diverse groups’ cultural heritage and collective memory. Corey Lewis, the Maryland Assistant State Archivist, has been a driving force in these efforts for the past twenty years. His expertise in archival practices, digitization, and community engagement has significantly impacted the field. His work with the Community Archives Initiatives has been particularly noteworthy, focusing on democratizing access to historical records, empowering underrepresented communities to tell their stories, and fostering a sense of identity and continuity.
At this CAFe Speaker Series event, Corey Lewis shares his experiences and insights on community-centered archival practices. He explores how integrating traditional archival methods with modern digital technologies can create innovative approaches to safeguarding the past while making it accessible to future generations. Corey discusses the importance of inclusive, participatory archives and highlights how these efforts can reflect the rich, multifaceted history of Maryland’s diverse communities. This event is a unique opportunity to learn more about the lasting impact of community archives on the preservation and accessibility of cultural heritage.
Bio: Corey A. Lewis is a distinguished leader in archiving and currently serves as the Assistant State Archivist at the Maryland State Archives. In his role, Corey oversees the information, appraisal, and digitization operations while acting as a liaison for information technology. Since joining the archives in 1999, Corey has gained extensive experience in imaging and digitization. His deep knowledge and expertise have been instrumental in advancing the technological capabilities of the archives, particularly in digitization operations and the development of electronic archives. Throughout his career, Corey has championed initiatives focused on enhancing access, improving efficiency, and fostering partnerships. His leadership has recently enabled the Maryland State Archives to collaborate successfully on several projects with community archives. Corey’s dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility was recognized last year when he received the Gertrude Makell Award for Programming. This year, he has been honored with the Victoria Walch Irons Emerging Leader Award from the Council of State Archivists, further acknowledging his outstanding contributions to the archival profession.