Collective Memory Project

What's your Watertown? The Watertown Free Public Library is embarking on a mission to collect photos and stories from your lifetime to preserve in our permanent digital collection. The story of Watertown lives in its people, and that means you—your family, your memories, and your experiences. 



Call for Nominations: Do you, or does someone you know, have a strong connection to Watertown? Nominate them for a Collective Memory Project interview! We are looking for people who are involved in our community in all sorts of ways – as residents, volunteers, employees, friends, and neighbors – and have something to say about their life in—and connection to—Watertown. Self-nominations are encouraged! 



Two Ways to Contribute Photos:

Photo of a hand placing a piece of paper on a scanner.

Bring them to the Library
(for physical photos)

Drop your photos at the library, with:

You can fill these out in advance or when you get here. We’ll scan your photos and have them ready for pickup within the week.

Photo of hands typing on a laptop, taken from above.

Upload them online 
(for digital photos)

Share your favorite digital snapshots, Instagram pics, and flip phone photos!

Click the "upload" button to contribute three born-digital photographs to the collection. Please note that you must be at least 13 years of age to contribute.

Button with the text, "Upload Online " links to photo upload Google form. Opens in new window


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The Watertown Collective Memory Project by the Watertown Free Public Library is brought to you with federal funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.


Logo that says, "Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners"


Logo that says, "Institute of Museum and Library Sciences"