F&C Archive

Freedom & Captivity is building Maine’s first archive documenting the personal and collective effects of incarceration. The Freedom & Captivity Archive is a digital archive of carceral experience that showcases the hidden stories of Maine’s incarcerated community members and others impacted by Maine’s criminal legal system. This is the first archival space in Maine to hold stories about incarceration, curated and sensitively contextualized by those most impacted by incarceration. A curated archive is held in the Maine Memory Network at the Maine Historical Society and a complete archive is held in the Colby College Library Digital Collection.

Whether you have experienced incarceration directly or through a loved one, worked in prisons or jails, or used the criminal legal system because you have been harmed, we welcome your story! Reach out to Freedom & Captivity if you’d like our help collecting / submitting your story to the archive.

FAQ

Who and what is included?

The F&C Archive is open to anyone who has a story to tell about being affected by the criminal justice system. Whether you, your family member, or friend has lived or worked within the system, we want to hear your voice! Your story can be anonymous, and you can help someone else tell their story. Your story can be in the form of video, audio, writing, photographs, artwork, or a combination.

How do I submit stories? 

Connect with one of our trained story collectors! F&C will record, transcribe, and submit your story for you.

Or submit your story on your own. Head to the Maine Historical Society’s Tell My Story page and fill out the form. For ‘Story Topic’ select ‘Freedom and Captivity’. This form will ask for your information, story title, and story summary. You can make your story anonymous by checking the ‘Make me anonymous’ box.

Possible story prompts include:

- Where did your journey in relationship to the prison system begin? [go back as far as you need to; go wherever your memory takes you]

- What was your journey through the system (or the journey of your loved one) – timing, location, transfers, employment.

- Is there a story that jumps out to you that best captures your experience in relationship to the prison system?

- How did it affect the people who love you?

- Looking back, how did your journey through the prison system impact the rest of your life? (personhood, professional, academic, relationships, family) 

- How did it impact your loved ones, your family? 

- How has your journey impacted your views of power and authority?

- Given your experience in the prison system, do you believe prisons are necessary?

- If yes, why? If no, what would be an alternative when someone has caused harm?

- Is there one thing that you want people to know about your experience?

- If you had any expectations before your journey began, were there any surprises (People you met? Adversities you faced? Adversaries you found peace with?)

- Is there an object or a memento you’ve kept from that time that you’re willing to share? What does it mean to you? 

- What does freedom mean to you?

Get Inspired:

Get Inspired by these documentary short films created by the TUG Collective in collaboration with Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition.

 The F&C Archive is supported by grants from the American Council of Learned Societies and the National Endowment for the Humanities. We are also grateful to the Maine Historical Society and Colby College for their support.