CLUES THAT IT MAY BE AN OLD FAMILY TREASURE: 

Every time you go near it you hear —

• ¡Cuidado que lo rompes! Be careful you might break it! 
• It is taken out only on special occasions. 
• It is never taken out and is always in a box or drawer. 
• It is in a curio cabinet. 
• It is in a box under the bed and no one but mom or abuela can touch it. 

HOW DID I/WE GET HERE?

And a key question, “Where is here?”

This is a very unique opportunity for you to look at your Puerto Rican Roots. It doesn’t matter if you were born in the USA or in Puerto Rico – or elsewhere and have Puerto Rican heritage!

Ever wondered how many of your cherished ancestral keepsakes got to where they are now? As a part of our Puerto Rican diaspora, this community project is an opportunity to connect with our cultural roots through the treasures that have journeyed across oceans and generations.

We’re going to start with a small sampling of categories and grow the list as your interest and our capacity to respond also grows. The item should provide evidence about our culture, economic conditions that prompted the exodus from Puerto Rico, the history of an event or happening someone in your family participated in that made a difference, religious artifacts important to your elders particularly and their story about it.

A rough but good list to start with to start your adventure: 

• Old Newspapers or clippings
• Diaries 
• Letters*** 
• Journals  
• Deeds 
• Films*** 
• Videos 
• Slides 
• Photographs 
• Old photos brought from Puerto Rico to the US 
• Photos of  

o rooftop gatherings, parties 

o Pidgeon coops on rooftops  

o people on fire escapes 

o park picnics 

o house parties 

o Puerto Rican Day Parade 

o Dad’s or grandpa’s old car (1940s 50s 60s) 

o Airport arrival pics 

• 33-1/3 rpm records 
• 45 rpm records
• 78 rpm records 
• Audio Tapes  
• CDs 
• Personal memorabilia 
• Tickets to Events 
• Invitations 
• Announcements 
• Brochures 
• Flyers 
• Exhibition Catalogue 
• Old toys  
• Household items kept as keepsakes or heirlooms***  
• Music*** 
• Art*** 
• Period clothing*** 
• Entry papers 
• Decorative items passed on for many generations***
• Military medals and decorations 
• Athletic awards, photos, artifacts 
• Old fashioned lace making by hand (known as “tru-tru”} and other handmade treasures 

How to identify the item? 

How to establish provenance? 

Who gives permission for use? 

What is the story behind the item? 

What is the minimum information we need to be able to post it on our website? 

ANOTHER ACTIVITY:

SEEKING STORIES IN THE COMMUNITY:

Living In Plain Sight” in the Community

Activity: Community Forum – Interactive – NPRDM will post information on the website and social media with details of our first event

Community Learning Project Prompt: (DRAFT)

INTERACTIVE FORM:

Name:

Where were you born? 

Date of birth:

Where were your parents or guardians born?

Who were the people living in your home when you were born?

Where do you live now? ____________________. _______________

                    Name of city or town            Country

 

Who are the people living in your home now?

ASKING QUESTIONS – INTERVIEWING – LISTENING TO OLD STORIES

MOM, DAD, WHERE DID I COME FROM?

That can be a funny question since your parents may cringe that the moment has come to talk about what to most is a touchy or delicate topic to approach. But let them off the hook by quickly letting them know you are looking for information about your roots.

Once you establish what you are looking for, set a time and date for the first conversation with your parents or guardians, your grandparents, aunts and uncles, godparents, or older neighbors who are like family. Pick a time you know people will be available and flexible, such as a Sunday morning or afternoon. Or perhaps there’s an evening during the week that you know everyone is chilling and can be available for a chat. Before you end your first conversation, be sure to set up a series of dates (maybe 6) within the next few months to continue with your exploration.

Tools you will need:

• A journal or bound notebook
• Pens, pencils
• Recorder (cell phone)
• Camera and/or cellphone cam