Class Description
An archive is a collection of historical records and documents, from photos and letters to receipts and legal declarations, it’s a site anyone can visit to learn more about a certain topic. In this class, we will ask ourselves how we as writers can access archives to open up suppressed histories and breathe life back into the stories of those lost but not forgotten. Inspired by writers like M NourbeSe Philip, Saidiya Hartman, Charles Reznikoff, Robin Coste Lewis, John Keene, Sylvia Wynter, Cristina Sharpe, and Jess Row, we will practice how to embody the archives we uncover both on and off the page, imagining different possible pasts, presents and futures, while working through the ethics of writing stories that aren’t necessarily ours.
Students will start poems that revive underrepresented histories and leave with experimental writing techniques to apply to future work. Class will also end with an open mic where students from all sessions are invited to share and listen to each other's work! For writers of all experience levels, age 13 - 18 ONLY.
Accommodations:
Snacks, pizza, pens, notebooks, and a limited number of loaner laptops will be provided.
MBTA passes can be requested using this food and transportation request form.
Registration Instructions:
- Register for the class by clicking the yellow "Register" button and following the checkout instructions through our website. If you do not have an account, you will be able to make one easily. When making the account, please use your preferred name.
- If the student is under 18, parents/guardians must complete this permission form online. You only need to fill this form out one time, not for every class. Please complete it with the student's preferred name. If you cannot remember whether you have already filled it out, please email [email protected] and we will check for you! If you do not complete this form, your registrations could be voided and the cancellation policy will apply.
- If the student is 18, simply let us know by emailing [email protected].
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If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at [email protected]. We’re excited to write with you this spring!
Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.
For more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.
This class will take place in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood.
Covid-19 Update:
GrubStreet's space will be mask-optional when Boston's Covid-19 Community Level is low or medium. When the Covid-19 Community Level is high, our space will require masks. Please check GrubStreet's Covid-19 page for the latest info on masking and Community Levels before visiting in person.
Space Accessibility:
Our space is ADA accessible with automatic door openers, ADA-compliant restrooms, desk and table spacing, braille signage, and elevator. Our classrooms can be equipped with ALS for hard of hearing individuals. We cannot guarantee a scent-free environment. For more accessibility requests, please contact our Operations team at [email protected] or (617) 695-0075.