ILLUMINATION is an annual community-led story collection project of the Springfield History Museum that celebrates undertold history and perspectives in Springfield and rural east Lane County. Each project collection is responsive and centers a minority community who is underrepresented in the Museum collections. The work is led by a project team who has lived experience and affinity within each centered community to develop the local historical narrative, and to collect contemporary oral histories and photographs of community members.
The Springfield History Museum currently has four ILLUMINATION community collections:
- Latino
- Asian American & Pacific Islander
- Black & African American
- American Indian & Alaska Native
Each new chapter of ILLUMINATION is developed in direct response to requests from our local historically marginalized communities to address the lack of inclusive representation in our Museum collection.
| This next project collection will center the LGBTQIA2S+ experience in Springfield and rural east Lane County. Lake Castagna (they/she) of Queer Eugene has signed on as the consultant for the project, offering a culturally responsive lens and affirming care for all project participants. This includes but is not limited to linguistic and cultural affirmation, structural and environmental safety, community-centered and trauma-informed engagement, and humility. |
| Our success hinges on establishing trust and relationships with a network of individuals (and partner organizations that service them) who identify on the LGBTQIA2S+ spectrum. In particular we want to center and prioritize individuals of color and those who experience a disability. Our intention is to welcome people together in community to engage with the Museum in developing the collection, exhibit and related program activities that celebrate and elevate their community. |
| Here is a quote from a local Springfield parent raising a trans child in our community: “I know first-hand that visibility is key. My child would not have so confidently grasped their own identity if it were not for the visibility of others in the LGBT community. Similarly, our own visibility has helped others come to accept the LGBT members of their own family. I have seen the ILLUMINATION project shine a light on many marginalized communities already. It would mean a lot to further help normalize queer identities in Springfield in the same way.” |
Please consider sharing YOUR voice to help inform this project collection. Queer Eugene and Springfield History Museum will be hosting several community gathering for the LGBTQIA2S+ community in February and March (snacks/food included!). Please keep an eye out for dates, locations and details!
We’ll be asking these three questions:
- What does it look like, sound like, and feel like to celebrate and center your community with the Springfield History Museum and Public Library in Springfield and rural east Lane County?
- Who should be part of the story collection team?
- Videographer/interviewer
- Photographer
- Writer/Historian)
- Who are the six community members who should participate in oral history interviews and photo shoots?
Upcoming Community Gatherings
| February 16th | 4:00-6:00pm | Stringfield Yarn Collective |
| February 21st | 1:00-2:00pm | The Lavender Network |
| February 26th | 4:00-6:00pm | Chuck & Alice |
| March 7th | 11:00-1:00pm | Springfield Library |
Explore the current collections, here
If you have questions, ideas or interest in the LGBTQIA2S+ ILLUMINATION project, please email [email protected].