Introduction
Archives Week is a special annual event dedicated to celebrating the vital role archives play in preserving our shared heritage and fostering historical knowledge. Held during the first week of June, this event brings together archivists, historians, educators, and the public to emphasize the significance of archives in society.
Under the theme #ArchivesAreAccessible – Archives for Everyone, Archives Week 2025 aims to showcase the importance of making archival resources open and inclusive to all. Throughout the week, USIU-Africa will host a variety of activities and events designed to raise awareness, educate, and engage participants in exploring the rich history of our institution.
Dates: June 9th – 13th, 2025
Theme: #ArchivesAreAccessible – Archives for Everyone
Objectives: The International Archives Week event aims to:
i) Promote Accessibility and Inclusivity by ensuring archival resources are open and easily available to students, faculty, and researchers.
ii) Raise Awareness about the critical role archives play in preserving USIU-Africa’s history and supporting academic research.
iii) Encourage Engagement through exhibitions, discussions, and interactive activities that highlight the value of archival collections.
iv) Enhance Digital Preservation by advocating for the digitization of archival materials to improve long-term access and sustainability.
v) Preserve Institutional Memory by documenting and showcasing USIU-Africa’s historical milestones, achievements, and cultural heritage.
Key Events and Activities
Activities
Archives Week 2025 at USIU-Africa will feature a diverse range of events and activities designed to engage individuals from all backgrounds in exploring the importance of archives. The week will include:
1. Day 1: Archives Awareness & Digital Access
The week will begin with an Opening Ceremony, officially launching the celebration of Archives Week 2025. Attendees will explore a Pop-Up Exhibit displaying rare and significant materials from USIU-Africa’s archives. A live demonstration will guide participants on how to access digital archives through the USIU digital repository. To encourage online engagement, a Social Media Challenge will invite participants to share their favorite archival discoveries using #ArchivesAreAccessibleUSIU.
2. Day 2: Archives Exploration & Interactive Activities
Participants will go on an Archive Tour, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how archival materials are preserved and accessed. An Interactive Archive Scavenger Hunt will challenge attendees to locate historical documents and photographs using provided clues. Additionally, a Then & Now Photo Exhibit will showcase side-by-side comparisons of past and present USIU-Africa campus locations, illustrating the university’s transformation over time.
3. Day 3: Storytelling & Multimedia Archives
The Oral History Booth will allow faculty, staff, students, and alumni to record and share their personal experiences as part of the university’s historical archive. A Short Film Screening will feature historical footage and documentaries related to USIU-Africa’s legacy. Students will also participate in the Student Archive Challenge, where they creatively present archival materials through essays, infographics, or visual art.
4. Day 4: Research & Preservation Highlights
A Digitization in Action session will demonstrate the process of scanning and preserving fragile archival materials, showcasing the importance of long-term documentation. The Featured Archive of the Day will highlight significant or newly digitized archival materials. Attendees will also explore Trivia & Fun Facts, learning little-known historical insights about USIU-Africa through engaging displays.
5. Day 5: Closing & Archive Engagement
The final day will feature a Showcase of the Week’s Highlights, recapping the best moments from exhibits, storytelling sessions, and interactive activities. An Archives Trivia & Prize Giveaway will test participants' knowledge of archival history, rewarding winners with prizes. The event will conclude with a Closing Ceremony, recognizing participants and unveiling future archival projects to ensure continued engagement with USIU-Africa’s rich historical collections.
Program
Monday 9th – Archives Awareness & Digital Access
Tuesday 10th – Archives Exploration & Interactive Activities
Wednesday 11th – Storytelling & Multimedia Archives
Thursday 12th – Research & Preservation Highlights
Friday 13th – Closing & Archive Engagement

Impact
The activities planned for Archives Week 2025 at USIU-Africa will have a significant impact on International Archives Week 2025, aligning with the global theme #ArchivesAreAccessible – Archives for Everyone. By offering interactive exhibits, guided tours, and digital demonstrations, the event will raise awareness about the importance of archives in preserving history and supporting research. The Digitization in Action session will emphasize digital accessibility and preservation, contributing to the global conversation on ensuring long-term access to archival materials. Additionally, activities such as the Featured Archive of the Day and Trivia & Fun Facts will encourage participants to explore and engage with historical records in an interactive way. The social media challenge (#ArchivesAreAccessibleUSIU) will foster global participation and networking, allowing USIU-Africa to engage with international archival institutions and share best practices. Finally, activities like the Then & Now Photo Exhibit and Oral History Booth will contribute to preserving institutional memory and heritage, ensuring that USIU-Africa’s rich history remains accessible for future generations. Collectively, these initiatives will enhance public engagement, promote archival accessibility, and position USIU-Africa as an active contributor to the international archival community.