Van Sociaal Historisch Centrum naar Samenlevingsarchief : een verkenning

Samenvatting

This article examines the transformation of the Sociaal Historisch Centrum voor Limburg (SHCL) into Tracé – Limburgs Samenlevingsarchief, reflecting a broader shift in archival thinking from passive preservation toward active societal engagement. Drawing on literature and interviews with staff, it explores how Tracé interprets and applies the concept of a ‘samenlevingsarchief’ (‘societal archive’) and what this means for representation, inclusivity, and participation. The findings reveal that Tracé seeks to act as an archive of, for, and with society – one that acknowledges archival silences, power relations, and the need for diverse voices. While practical challenges such as limited resources and digital transition persist, the case illustrates how regional archives can serve as dynamic mediators in shaping collective memory and identity.