In autumn of 2024 an inspiring Erasmus+ exchange took place between belladonna in Germany and the Balkan Society for Autobiographies and Social Communication in Bulgaria, both dedicated to preserving and researching the histories of women and minority communities.
Several core topics were addressed during the exchange:
- Institutional Development: Expert discussions on integrating knowledge from other organizations into local practice.
- Archival Practice & Networking: Guided tours through archival and library collections and meetings with staff members.
- International Collaboration: Exploring national and European cooperation models.
- Shared Metadata & Digitization: Technical dialogue on metadata standards and digital preservation.
- Intersections in Archival Work: Identifying thematic synergies and mutual learning opportunities.
Institutional Development
One major focus was how to integrate external expertise into institutional workflows. Discussions centered on the role of ethnic minorities in Bulgarian history—particularly Roma archives and the historical contributions of Turkish communities.
Key takeaways:
- Shifting expectations: While the original intention was to explore feminist and queer historiography, the local context revealed different societal narratives.
- Intersectionality in archival contexts: National history and ethnic discourse deeply influence archival priorities and visibility.
- Inclusion as a process: New perspectives emerged on how to document and represent minority communities in cultural and academic institutions.
A National and European Network
A major initiative introduced during the exchange was the Digital Roma Archive, a fully digital collection dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the Roma community in Bulgaria. Spearheaded by a university-led team, it aims to:
- Address historical underrepresentation: The Roma community has been largely overlooked in official historical records since the 14th century.
- Offer accessible resources: Including written documents, oral histories, and visual materials.
- Democratize knowledge: Supporting education, research, and intercultural dialogue through open access.
- National partnerships: With libraries, universities, and cultural institutions across Bulgaria.
- European collaborations: Active participation in conferences and projects on gender studies and minority histories.
Metadata & Digital Archives
Bulgarian archives are integrated into a national archival system and collaborate with regional partners. Their digital collections enhance access to historical documents both on-site and online.
Shared Themes and Complementary Approaches
What the institutions have in common:
- Historic figures with transnational influence: Both sides focus on amplifying the voices of impactful women and activists.
- Oral history methodologies: In Bulgaria, the emphasis lies on ethnic minorities; in Germany, on feminist and queer movements.
- Shared concerns: Inclusion, social justice, and community representation are central to their missions.
- Educational outreach: From university partnerships to public workshops, both institutions are active in sharing knowledge.
Ideas for future collaboration: - Storytelling initiatives: Combining oral histories from Bulgaria and Germany to offer diverse perspectives on community, resistance, and identity.
- Educational programs: Joint workshops or lecture series on archives, history, and justice.
- Cultural exhibitions: Traveling shows that connect feminist, queer, and ethnic minority narratives.
Reflections on the Exchange
The exchange was described as highly enriching, especially because of the differing approaches to women’s archives. It offered valuable insights into the development of such initiatives and their current activities, including academic teaching and exhibitions.
Highlight visits included:
- A feminist walking tour of Sofia, tracing historic sites of the women’s movement.
- A visit to the Museum of writer Dora Gabe, exploring her life and work.
- A stop at the gallery of sculptor Vaska Emanuilova, including both exhibition and archive.
- Meetings at Southwest University Blagoevgrad with the Bulgarian project team and presentation of archival work.
Conclusion
This exchange underscored the vital importance of cross-border collaboration among institutions working to preserve women’s and minority histories. By joining forces, we can open up new perspectives and enrich historical narratives. The partnership between Germany and Bulgaria holds great promise for future initiatives that advance inclusion and social justice.