Reclaiming the Narrative: Centering Undertold Stories in Museums, Libraries, and Academic Research

Reclaiming the Narrative brought together scholars, librarians, museum professionals, and educators, to explore how cultural and academic institutions can recognize, preserve, and share stories that have historically been overlooked or marginalized. The event was organized, and co-hosted, by Melissa Benbow Flowers, PhD, scholar-in-residence at Montclair, whose work focuses on African American history, public history, material culture, and the recovery of undertold stories. Flowers started her residency at Montclair State University Libraries thanks to the support of American Conservation Experience-Mellon Postdoctoral fellowships.

Throughout the day, speakers explored the ways museums, libraries, archives, and community organizations can contribute to a more inclusive understanding of history. Sessions included discussions on centering Indigenous histories, the narratives of a predominantly Black institution, the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail, and public history work in museums and community organizations.

At the heart of the symposium was a shared question: Whose stories are preserved, whose stories are missing, and how can cultural institutions help bring those histories to light? 

By creating space for scholars, educators, and community members to share their experiences, Reclaiming the Narrative encouraged attendees to think critically about how historical knowledge is created, preserved, and shared. The event also reflected the collaborative work of the Montclair community. 

Through events such as Reclaiming the Narrative, Montclair State University Libraries continues to support conversations that connect scholarship, archives, cultural heritage, and the communities whose histories they preserve.