For questions, comments, or further information please contact the Julian Edison Department of Special Collections, Washington University Libraries:

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Interested in adding to Documenting Ferguson?

Although the method for contributing to Documenting Ferguson has changed since the site launched ten years ago, we remain committed to helping preserve this history for future generations. These visual and digital records are powerful tools. They can be used for activism and organizing in the present. And when future generations want to know the history of these events, these documents provide vital firsthand perspectives.

Additions to the archive could be:

• digital (or physical): photographs, videos, art, or other documentation
• created in 2014-2015, or from anniversary or memorials in following years 
• materials related to community efforts inspired by, or rooted in, 2014 events

Absolutely! I want to help save this history—but how?

1. Take care of yourself first: Going back over photographs and videos of violence can be mentally draining or damaging. Just planning to work on saving them is a good first step.
2. Get some info: Look over resources below for ways you can ethically and safely* preserve your documentation of history for the long term.  
3. Determine how and where you want to save your history: In a personal digital archive you maintain? By contributing to a collaborative effort at a museum or library? Some combination of these? 
4. Reach out: please contact us by email and briefly describe what you are interested in contributing. Then someone from Special Collections will set up a consultation to discuss your donation.  

*Yes, saving is important, but keep in mind:

• Just because you can or did take someone’s photo at a protest doesn’t mean you should keep or share it. The Blacktivists’ Five Tips for Organizers, Protestors, and Anyone Documenting Movements offers a quick read of important ways to document events ethically and with respect.
• Law enforcement can obtain images you share to socal media, even if you mark them as private—meaning they can be used against the people in your photos.
• Anything that appears on social media can be deleted or taken down by the platform at any time. These sites are not guaranteed to save for the long-term.

See more Resources about Saving Digital History