So history never forgets.
Dear Frontenac Friends,
I have a very personal announcement folks. If you're an artist of any genre you know that your work is a part of who you are. Whether you are a painter or a photographer, what you make matters deeply to you. Sometimes, especially a long project, can become something more.
For the past ten years what I've been creating is a visual history of our town. Far from all inclusive, it still gives us a window into who we are, and what matters to us. Thousands of photos and dozens of features and small write ups about Frontenac and its people.
However, I am far from immortal, and recent events with other media have made me wonder what would happen to my archive when I'm gone.
More importantly, who should have access to that archive, and our town’s history when the storyteller is no longer around to safeguard and share it.
I refuse to deny the people of this community that history. So…. I will be donating copies of my entire Frontenac archive to Heritage Hall. All of it. Every professional photo I've published on HF. Copies of features. Everything I have will be slowly moved into the dedicated hands of Heritage Hall for long-term care.
Seth already has most of the files, and he will be able to use them as needed in the exhibits, family history research, ect. I will continue to transfer files to Seth yearly as we continue to capture life in Frontenac.
In an effort to keep some control of this little project of mine, and as to not swamp Seth, I do ask that you reach out to me regarding copies of images or outside usage.
Frontenac Friends, documenting my town and running Hello Frontenac is one the greatest honors of my life. Many photojournalists never get the loving welcome that I do whenever I attend an event. Especially a loud pirate mouthed ornery photojournalist like me. You all have always loved me though. No matter what.
It was that little school that helped me learn photography, journalism, and why those ethics mattered. My first newspaper job was a tiny weekly, and I remember how many people bought that little out of town paper just to support me. I remember how proud this town was at 17 when I got my first job at a daily paper, or my first front page photo. I hope I can continue to make you all proud with Hello Frontenac for years to come.
This town made me who I am, and I will never forget that, or how amazing each of you are. I hope that in some small way, these photos make sure history never forgets too.
Keesh
