1990s: Founding and Early Initiatives
The Council for the Preservation of Anthropological Records (CoPAR) was established in the early 1990s to address growing concerns about the preservation of anthropological materials. A pivotal moment was the 1994 Wenner-Gren Foundation conference, which led to the founding of CoPAR and the publication of the seminal work Preserving the Anthropological Record in 1995. This publication, edited by Sydel Silverman and Nancy J. Parezo, provided guidelines for the preservation of anthropological records and emphasized the importance of ethical considerations in archival practices.
2000s: Expanding Resources and Outreach
In the 2000s, CoPAR expanded its resources to support the preservation of anthropological records. The organization developed a comprehensive directory of anthropological archives and a guide to anthropological fieldnotes and manuscripts in archival repositories. These resources aimed to assist researchers and institutions in locating and managing anthropological materials.
2010s: Emphasis on Ethical Practices and Indigenous Collaboration
Throughout the 2010s, CoPAR maintained a strong commitment to ethical practices in the preservation of anthropological records. This commitment was reflected in the organization’s emphasis on culturally responsive and community-centered approaches. CoPAR worked closely with Indigenous communities to ensure that their perspectives and rights were integral to the preservation process. This collaborative approach has been central to CoPAR’s mission and continues to guide its initiatives today.
2020s: Digital Transition and Revitalization
In the 2020s, CoPAR revitalized its efforts to support the preservation of anthropological records in the digital age. The organization developed a new website to provide updated resources and information on the care and use of anthropological materials. CoPAR continues to advocate for access to archival records while encouraging repositories and users to be culturally responsive and ethical.
See the original site here: https://copar.org