Domestic Archives: Stories of Sala Baganza
The Local Challenge
Sala Baganza, in northern Italy, is a community rich in memory but at risk of losing its everyday stories. Families hold photographs, diaries and small objects that capture the town’s history, yet these remain hidden in private homes. Younger people often feel detached from this heritage, while older generations lack spaces to share it. Without opportunities for exchange, traditions fade and social ties weaken. The challenge is to bridge this gap, encouraging dialogue across generations and giving residents a way to preserve their collective memory. Strengthening these connections is essential for community identity and cohesion.
The Initiative
Domestic archives: stories of Sala Baganza gathers personal collections—letters, photos, recipes and keepsakes—and turns them into shared heritage. Led by Biblioteca Comunale di Sala Baganza with the youth association Enigma, the initiative organises workshops where older residents present their stories and younger participants record, digitise and curate them. Exhibitions, storytelling events and creative labs transform private memories into public narratives, accessible both in the library and online. By involving schools, seniors and local families, the project sparks intergenerational dialogue. It values everyday heritage, shows how domestic archives are part of collective history, and builds pride in the cultural life of Sala Baganza.
What’s Next?
The project lays the foundation for a permanent community archive hosted by the library. Materials collected remain available for exhibitions, teaching and research, preserving local identity for future generations. Enigma and the library continue to collaborate on workshops and storytelling activities, keeping young people involved in heritage work. Partnerships with schools and cultural groups ensure that new voices and materials are added over time. By combining memory, creativity and participation, the initiative leaves a legacy of connection between generations. Sala Baganza gains a living archive that celebrates its past while inspiring community spirit in the present.
Contact theeuropechallenge@culturalfoundation.eu if you have any questions or want to be connected with the team behind the project.
