Secret History of American River People is more than an oral history project—it is an artistic research practice that explores the river as both a historical and living space. Through direct engagement with river communities, the project investigates memory, place, and the shifting narratives of those whose lives are entwined with the water. The research conducted through these journeys informs not only exhibitions and public engagement but also contributes to a broader conversation about rivers as sites of labor, migration, displacement, and survival.
Below are key aspects of the project’s research framework, alongside resources that expand on its methods and influences.
Artistic Framework
The project operates at the intersection of social practice art and participatory history, foregrounding storytelling as a method of inquiry. Secret History gathers voices often left out of dominant historical narratives, assembling a living archive of river life that challenges the boundaries between history, memory, and art.
Methodology & Process
Selecting and engaging with interview subjects follows an intuitive, place-based approach. Rather than applying a strict sociological method, the project embraces the dérive—a drifting, open-ended journey through river towns that allows for unstructured, chance encounters. This practice shapes not only the interviews but also the kinds of questions asked and the perspectives gathered.
Listening as Methodology
Read “Seriously, What Have We Learned?” →
At its core, Secret History is an act of deep listening. Instead of imposing an external narrative, the project is shaped by the voices and experiences of the people encountered along the river. Attention, patience, and an openness to complexity guide the process, creating space for perspectives that might otherwise go unheard.
Oral History Archive
Explore the Oral History Archive →
The heart of Secret History is the collection of oral histories—firsthand accounts from river people that offer insight into both historical and contemporary life along America’s waterways. These narratives serve as both primary sources and lived expressions of how the river has shaped generations of communities.
Readings & Citations
Browse the Secret History Library →
The intellectual foundation of the project draws from histories of river labor, environmental studies, ethnographies, and accounts of life on the water. These readings provide critical context for understanding the forces—both human and natural—that have shaped America’s river systems.
Public Engagement & Exhibitions
Learn more about exhibitions →
The research conducted through Secret History extends beyond documentation. Through exhibitions, talks, and public engagements, the project invites audiences to interact with the material, connecting it to contemporary discussions about environmental justice, displacement, and public memory.
The Ongoing Research
Each journey deepens the archive. With every river traveled and every story collected, new histories surface, adding layers to the project’s evolving narrative. Secret History remains an ongoing process of learning, questioning, and amplifying the experiences of those who have lived at the water’s edge.