Building Bengali Archives
Growing archival collections related to Camden's Bengali community
Camden’s Local Studies and Archives Centre is expanding its collection to honour and document the vibrant histories and experiences of Bengali communities in our borough. This project calls on Camden’s Bengali residents to share photographs, posters, flyers, and any meaningful materials that capture their community’s legacy and stories.
Be a part of Camden’s history:
We invite you to select 1 to 15 items that hold special significance to you, your family, or your organization.
By participating, you’ll help create a shared digital archive for future generations, showcasing the collective memories of Camden’s Bengali community. We will host scanning days around Camden (dates to be announced) so you can digitize your materials and see them become part of a new digital Bengali heritage collection.
Interested in contributing? Please reach out to julian.ehsan@camden.gov.uk for more details. Help shape Camden’s historical record by sharing your story today!
Skill-Building Sessions:
Alongside the archive-building initiative, we’re hosting a series of free-to-attend sessions about archival practice and storytelling through sound.
Sessions 1 and 2 will introduce participants to the Camden Local Studies and Archives Centre and the Bengali Photo Archive in Tower Hamlets.
Session 3 is a hands-on workshop on creating a “sonic archive,” providing participants with the skills to record and preserve personal histories and stories through audio.
Who can join?
We’re looking for Camden residents of Bengali heritage aged 18 and over who can attend all three sessions. Spaces are limited, and priority will be given to those who can commit to the full series.
Image credit: Courtesy of Nita Roy / Bengali Photo Archive