The Continuity of Memory

Records are invaluable tools that allow us to preserve memories over time. Sadly, for various reasons, these records can sometimes be damaged or lost, and with them, the memories they hold may also vanish. Losing a record is more than the loss of a physical object; it means the disappearance of the memories within it, memories we can no longer access or connect with.

When records endure, the memories they hold stay with us, sometimes for generations. To ensure these memories continue to be passed on, we must give careful attention to their preservation. Time can either fade these memories or deepen their impact, depending on the care we provide.

All around the world, countless precious records transcend the boundaries of time and place, carrying essential stories and messages. For these records to continue connecting us with the past, they require the efforts of more than a single person or nation—they need the collective dedication of the global community. The records we preserve today serve as bridges linking the past, present, and future.

The ICDH is committed to supporting the worldwide efforts to protect the documentary heritage that has withstood the test of time to reach us today. We believe that by embracing the power of memory flowing through history, we can find even greater meaning in our lives.