What is the Abuelas Project?
The Abuela’s Project was created by Latinos in Heritage Conservation. The project collects, curates, and amplifies the stories of important Latinx movements, sites, and people across the Nation. This GIS project encourages intergenerational storytelling. StoryMaps focus on braceros, abandoned Mexican cemeteries, Route 66, and more.
This Tucson version is hosted in combination with Los Descendientes De Tucson, Latinos in Heritage Conservation and the Tucson Wagon & History Museum. The purpose of the Tucson pop-up is to connect community with resources for preservation, local nonprofit organizations doing preservation and reclamation work, and celebrate the histories of Tucson.
Abuelas Community Day Activities
Archivist Q & A
Have questions about preserving your own collection or about what happens to items after being donated to a museum? Archivists will be available to answer your questions and provide advice on preserving your own at-home archives.
Oral History Recording
Have memories of Tucson you’d like to share? A short-recording booth will be available for community members wanting to share their stories. Recorded stories will be integrated into the Mexican American Heritage and History Museum’s “Stories of the Barrio” opening in 2025.
Main Stage Presentations
Join us on the Main Stage for music, dancing, and presentations from Latinos in Heritage Conservation and Los Descendientes.
At 12:30 - Opening Celebration learn more about the Abuela’s project and see what happens to items donated to the digital archive.
Barrio Digitization Project
The MexAm Museum, run by Los Descendientes de Tucson, is offering up to $150 worth of free digitization for home videos, movie film, broadcast media, audio recordings, film negatives, 8mm, super 8, and slides that capture Tucson past. Funds will be prioritized for barrio residents and unique Tucson / Tucsonense memories, experiences, or traditions. Museum donation of the digitized material is not required, but highly encouraged.
Visit the Los Des Partner table to learn more!
Tucson Wagon & History Museum
Starting at 10am and running every hour, join us in the main hangar for a tour of the Tucson Wagon & History Museum, learn about the origins and long history of Tucson’s Rodeo Parade.
Food Trucks
Purchase lunch or dinner from our two featured food trucks!
