Archives of Resilience: Digitally Preserving Haitian National Heritage   

This project will focus on the archaeological records of the Citadelle Henri and the Palace of Sans Souci, two key monuments in Haiti's history as the first black republic, ruled entirely by former enslaved persons. Through U.S. occupation, dictatorship, and environmental disaster, these monuments have stood the test of time, thanks to the efforts of the Institut de Sauvegarde du Patrimoine National (ISPAN). Founded in 1979, ISPAN has led the efforts to restore, undertake archaeological exploration of, and ultimately document these important monuments for future generations. The latter effort has resulted in a vast archive, consisting of materials including photographic prints, slides, architectural plans, and documents. Like the monuments themselves, this archive is under constant threat, whether from the environment, political instability, or lack of investment from the Haitian government. The archive itself was initially rescued from decay byISPAN team members, architect Frederick Mangonès and photographer Antonio Marcelli, who, with their team, will work to digitize the ISPAN archive.