Week 2: Ch-ch-ch-ch-CHANGESSSSS

This week I felt like a real archivist. Allow me to explain.

Last week I started processing the Paul Bannai collection. I had my document set up, the headings made sense, and everything was going well. I made my way through three boxes out of twenty using this system.

Well, this week I came back after having a week long distance. When I got back and started up again I realized that I could be doing this better and more cleanly. So my entire processing document changed and shifted. Truly, this was a big testament on getting to know the collection and adapting to its needs. I've never really done a large-scale cataloging project like this, so having this time to familiarize myself with the particular needs of this collection is a really eye-opening experience.

A lot of the items I'm working with are photos, but since everything is out of "order" (still trying to figure out what order I want), there's a lot to go through. Plus this collection has passed through so many hands, that it's hard to figure out where I should restart versus where I should continue from another persons work. It's interesting to see how the principles we talked about in class have already come to fruition, even in just the few weeks I have been doing this. Also, I'm trying to not get overwhelmed due to the sheer amount of work there is to be done. Honestly, I'm scared I might not finish within the time I have to be here.

I'm also starting to feel more of a personal connection to this collection. I was going through photos from reunions for the 442nd Battalion and it's still a little heart-wrenching to see how many have passed. Since the photos and folders aren't in chronological order, it was really jarring for me to process the 44th reunion and then jump to photos from the 65th and see how many people were lost within those twenty years. It also shows a how quickly a history and stories can be lost.

There's also been a lot going on down here, what with the fires, winds, and overall craziness. I know this isn't my first fire season, and it will not be my last, but my heart aches for all the people who have lost their homes. I'm safe where I am, but it still hurts to see places I've been and love are now destroyed. I was hiking in Topanga Canyon less than a month ago, and now that trail is gone. It's a lot to deal with, but we press on.