Help Us Preserve and Celebrate Puerto Rican Heritage in Bristol
Since the 1950s, Puerto Rican families have made significant contributions to shaping the culture and community of Bristol, Pennsylvania. Today, more than 1,100 Puerto Rican residents call Bristol home, but very little of their history is represented in the town’s archival collections.
The Bristol Puerto Rican History Archive Initiative is a community-led effort to change that. This project aims to center community voices and encourages residents to steward their history.
We invite residents to share photographs, documents, keepsakes, and personal stories to help preserve Puerto Rican history in Bristol for future generations. Your contributions will become part of a new public digital collection in the Grundy Archive. With your permission, materials may also be used in exhibits, publications, or community programs. All materials will be handled with care, and all descriptions will be developed in collaboration with contributors to ensure cultural respect and accuracy.
You keep your original materials and receive free digital copies of everything we scan or record.
Spanish-language appointments and interviews are available.
Together, we can make sure Puerto Rican voices, families, and stories are part of Bristol’s historical record, not left out.
What You Can Share
We’re looking for personal and family items that tell the story of Puerto Rican life in Bristol:
- Photographs of family gatherings, celebrations, portraits, festivals, and everyday moments
- Documents such as letters, certificates, school papers, and news clippings.
- Written histories from you and family members.
- Memorabilia like flyers, programs, event souvenirs, and more!
- Or schedule an oral history appointment to record your memories about life or events in Bristol.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Appointments are available during the day, with some evening and weekend options. During your appointment:
- Bring your items to your appointment at the Grundy Library. We’ll talk with you to learn more about what you brought.
- We scan or photograph your materials while you’re there.
- You take your originals home. Nothing is kept unless you choose to donate it.
- You get free digital copies. We will share a USB drive with copies of the files. Share them with family or keep your digital copies for peace of mind.
Ready to Participate?
Fill out this form to let us know you are interested, and we will reach out to schedule your digitization appointment.
Interested in volunteering for this project?
The Grundy Archive is seeking enthusiastic volunteers passionate about history and community. As a volunteer, you’ll work closely with the archivist and assist with tasks such as research, transcription, interviews, and digitization.
All library positions require criminal background and child abuse clearances.
