The Missing Stories: South Asian American History and Memory with SAADA

What stories are missing from your life? For the past 18 years, <a href="https://www.saada.org/">SAADA</a> has been uncovering and preserving missing stories from the South Asian American community. As the leading source for South Asian American history, SAADA’s digital archive, storytelling projects, walking tours, lesson plans, and books shine light on more than 250 years of history that most Americans could never imagine existing. And SAADA even created a board game, Memory Bucket, to help you uncover the missing stories from your own family. Through this interactive session, SAADA’s co-founder and executive director Samip Mallick will present SAADA’s innovative approach to community storytelling and inspire you to go searching for missing stories of your own. About the speaker: Samip Mallick is SAADA's is the co-founder and executive director. In trying to understand his place in the American story, Samip realized that there were no institutions working to preserve and share South Asian American history. In 2008, Samip helped establish SAADA to ensure that these histories would be cared for and accessible to everyone. Under Samip’s leadership, SAADA has become the leading source for South Asian American history and a nationally recognized leader in community storytelling. Samip previously worked for the University of Chicago and the Social Science Research Council. He holds degrees in computer science and library and information sciences and has served as an advisor to the Ford Foundation and the Library of Congress.

Online

Introduction to Oral History in Sensitive Contexts

Introduction to Oral History in Sensitive Contexts&nbsp;is a four-part&nbsp;workshop series presented by the Boston Public Library (BPL) and the After Violence Project (AVP), in partnership with Queens Memory. These workshops aim to equip participants with ethical, effective strategies for conducting oral history interviews with communities who might require specialized consent and confidentiality practices due to experiences of trauma, marginalization, or identity-based targeting. Whether participants are recording family histories or envisioning larger public interview projects, the series moves beyond the goal of documentation alone to consider how consent and trust can shape more thoughtful, responsible methods of preserving critically important histories. Workshop Descriptions: Introduction to Oral History and Relationship-Building in Sensitive Contexts (Thursday, March 5, 2026) Learn about the foundations of oral history, which is a method of collecting and preserving histories through recorded interviews with people about their personal memories and experiences. Together, we will explore why context and relationships matter, and how trust, consent, and care shape the interview process and, relatedly, the stories that are shared. Ethical Consent &amp; Confidentiality in Oral History (Thursday, March 12, 2026) Gain hands-on experience creating customized oral history project descriptions and consent forms to share with potential oral history interviewees, with an emphasis on embedding ongoing consent protocols throughout the project development process. Trauma-Informed Interviewing (Thursday, March 19, 2026) Learn about trauma-informed approaches to oral history and interviewing in sensitive contexts, including examinations of how trauma can influence memory, storytelling, and recall in oral history interviews, and how interviews can be structured to respond accordingly. Practical Skills &amp; Scenarios (Thursday, March 26, 2026) Engage in role-playing exercises to develop oral history interview questions and conduct mini interviews alongside a group of experienced oral historians and educators from the Boston Public Library (BPL), the After Violence Project (AVP), and Queens Memory. About the Facilitator: The&nbsp;<a href="https://afterviolenceproject.org/">After Violence Project</a>&nbsp;is a community-based archive that fosters deeper understanding of the impacts of state violence on individuals, families, and communities. Their mission is to build power with directly impacted communities. Hannah Whelan (she/her) has held archivist roles at the After Violence Project and other community-based archives, and works as a consultant on human rights archive projects involving written and oral records released through litigation with the U.S. government or Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. Hannah holds a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and a Bachelor’s degree in World Literature and Cultural Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC). About the Co-Host:&nbsp; <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.queensmemory.org%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cdklein%40bpl.org%7C963198ff5ec741263d4c08de5eb08b30%7Cfa735c71d7954c01b0ae09fa7415b2b1%7C0%7C0%7C639052309524582001%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=EbKVflUBHjr76iJnVTAGQBtU51B2FP6J4AVGB30fvTk%3D&amp;reserved=0">Queens Memory</a>&nbsp;is an ongoing community-led archiving program supported by Queens Public Library and Queens College, CUNY. Their goal is to raise awareness and a sense of ownership in the production of our shared historic record and empower the public to record and preserve the stories of their neighborhoods, families, and communities. Follow them at&nbsp;<a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Finstagram.com%2Fqueensmemory&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cdklein%40bpl.org%7C963198ff5ec741263d4c08de5eb08b30%7Cfa735c71d7954c01b0ae09fa7415b2b1%7C0%7C0%7C639052309524620114%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=JTcRLsj0vOOUM5HJHQxs8iUPTBTmSYamb1VJNU6vYIs%3D&amp;reserved=0">@queensmemory</a>.

GrubStreet Workshop: South End Memoir Project (Online Event Series)

This class will take place via Zoom. Registration is required, and registrants will receive a Zoom link via email prior to the session start time. Please register via the event link. Everyone has a story! Get started on your memoir in this free 6-week workshop, offered by the Boston Public Library and GrubStreet. Writers of all ages and experience levels are welcome to participate. Simply register to secure your spot. In this course, you will: <ul><li>Get inspired by other writers in your neighborhood!</li><li>Explore ways to uncover personal and family narratives;</li><li>Learn ways of using local, regional, and national history as a backdrop;</li><li>Share your writing and exchange feedback with your classmates;</li><li>Read and discuss excerpts of works written by new and established authors.</li></ul> Writers will be invited to capture and share their memories of their neighborhood, including the Harriet Tubman House, United South End Settlements, neighboring organizations, and neighborhood change. Participants who choose to explore these themes and who wish to share their stories will have the option to add their stories to <a href="https://bostonresearchcenter.org/boston-research-center-launches-harriet-tubman-house-memory-project/">The Harriet Tubman House Memory Project</a>. This is a community-designed project supported by Northeastern University Library’s Boston Research Center, in partnership with the Boston Public Library. This project aims to collect, preserve, and center the stories and memories from people affiliated with Harriet Tubman House, a much-loved community space that was located at the corner of Massachusetts and Columbus Ave. Please note that participation in the Harriet Tubman House Memory project is optional and not a requirement of participation in the class. Writers will also have the option to add their memoirs to an anthology of Boston stories, if they choose. Do you need a laptop or WiFi? The BPL’s <a href="https://www.bpl.org/long-term-lending">Long-Term Device Lending Program</a> helps bridge the digital divide by providing free access to Chromebook laptops and home Internet via home Wi-Fi routers, supported through funding from the Emergency Connectivity Fund. The Boston Public Library also provides free computer and technology classes to help people use computers and the Internet. Please note: it may take approximately two weeks after applying for you to receive your device. About GrubStreet Founded in 1997, GrubStreet has grown into the nation’s largest independent creative writing center. GrubStreet works to remove social, cultural, and institutional barriers in order to facilitate and support an expansive and equitable artistic ecosystem where all voices thrive and where storytelling flourishes. This mission is essential because our collective voices have the power to shape a more just and connected world by revealing truths, transforming lives, and deepening human understanding. For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.grubstreet.org/">www.grubstreet.org</a> and <a href="http://museandthemarketplace.com/">http://museandthemarketplace.com</a>.

GrubStreet Workshop: Roxbury Memoir Project

Everyone has a story! Get started on your memoir in this free 6-week workshop, offered by the Boston Public Library and GrubStreet. Writers of all ages and experience levels are welcome to participate. Simply register via the event website to secure your spot. In this course, you will: <ul><li>Get inspired by other writers in your neighborhood!</li><li>Explore ways to uncover personal and family narratives;</li><li>Learn ways of using local, regional, and national history as a backdrop;</li><li>Share your writing and exchange feedback with your classmates;</li><li>Read and discuss excerpts of works written by new and established authors;</li></ul> This class will take place in the Learning Lab at the Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library. Registration is required. Writers will be invited to capture and share their memories of their neighborhood, including the Harriet Tubman House, United South End Settlements, neighboring organizations, and neighborhood change. Participants who choose to explore these themes and who wish to share their stories will have the option to add their stories to <a href="https://bostonresearchcenter.org/boston-research-center-launches-harriet-tubman-house-memory-project/">The Harriet Tubman House Memory Project</a>. This is a community-designed project supported by Northeastern University Library’s Boston Research Center, in partnership with the Boston Public Library. This project aims to collect, preserve, and center the stories and memories from people affiliated with Harriet Tubman House, a much-loved community space that was located at the corner of Massachusetts and Columbus Ave. Please note that participation in the Harriet Tubman House Memory project is optional and not a requirement of participation in the class. Writers will also have the option to add their memoirs to an anthology of Boston stories, if they choose. Do you need a laptop or WiFi? The BPL’s <a href="https://www.bpl.org/long-term-lending">Long-Term Device Lending Program</a> helps bridge the digital divide by providing free access to Chromebook laptops and home Internet via home Wi-Fi routers, supported through funding from the Emergency Connectivity Fund. The Boston Public Library also provides free computer and technology classes to help people use computers and the Internet. Please note: it may take approximately two weeks after applying for you to receive your device. About GrubStreet Founded in 1997, GrubStreet has grown into the nation’s largest independent creative writing center. GrubStreet works to remove social, cultural, and institutional barriers in order to facilitate and support an expansive and equitable artistic ecosystem where all voices thrive and where storytelling flourishes. This mission is essential because our collective voices have the power to shape a more just and connected world by revealing truths, transforming lives, and deepening human understanding. For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.grubstreet.org/">www.grubstreet.org</a> and <a href="http://museandthemarketplace.com/">http://museandthemarketplace.com</a>.

Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Boston Bars and Restaurants: Events and Openings

Food & drink experiences in Boston

Food & drink experiences 

BPL Community History Department

Where

bplcommunityhistory

Experiences

The Missing Stories: South Asian American History and Memory with SAADA

Introduction to Oral History in Sensitive Contexts

GrubStreet Workshop: South End Memoir Project (Online Event Series)

GrubStreet Workshop: Roxbury Memoir Project