Archival Silences and Avenues to Address Them: A Literature Review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Why do certain groups lack scholarship representing their histories? My curiosity led me to archives and then to archival silences. Thematically organized, this literature review on archival silences begins by identifying and characterizing archival silences. Defining characteristics include that archival power influences the creation of archival silences, archival silences are inevitable, and these silences impact, though not exclusively, marginalized communities. From a working understanding and definition, section two provides a general starting point with which to address archival silences, including identification, adjustment of archival practices and community inclusion, and creation of alternative archives. The article concludes by offering avenues for further study based on the literature review's limitations.