Hacking the Archive links past organizing and movement-based histories to future, multi-generational action plans by connecting local leaders, activists, archivists, students and residents of all ages.

Hacking the Archive (HTA) is a hands-on civic adventure to co-design the next 50 years of equity-driven social action. Our mission is to create new ways to explore past and present activist stories that boldly advance alternative futures. By crowdsourcing history-infused solutions to resident-defined challenges, we expand the traditional conventions of archival research and disrupt narrow, academic conceptions of knowledge creation.  We are amped to build vibrant activist coalitions, accelerate hyperlocal knowledge-sharing and grow a sprawling network of leaders passionately committed to population-level systems change.

An archival image of a group of young people sitting in a circle with adults in discussion.
An archival image of a protest for equal education, with young people holding protest signs saying "Teech us to reed and rite" and "Stop segregation"
A group of people sitting around a table with coffee cups and papers with archival images on them.
An archival image showing a protest in Boston from the 1960s with signs that say "We Need Homes" and "Human Right! Human Needs!"

Northeastern University Library, Archives and Special Collections. Chinese Progressive Association records, Freedom House, Inc. records, and James Fraser photographs.

YOU

We are looking for Boston residents, activists, archivists, students, and more to participate!

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ONE
TEAM

Spend the day hacking the archives with a team of 4-5 people.

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ONE
QUESTION

Answer one of our community partners’ questions about the racial wealth gap and jobs in Boston.

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ONE
SOLUTON

Pitch your solution to community partners and potentially win one of three prizes!

Partners

Our Team