Family Pictures Institute logo
DONATE

ABOUT US

OUR MISSION

FPIIS uses participatory storytelling, artistic projects, and community engagements that activate the family archive to create a more inclusive and empathetic society.

A family smiling and posing, holding an empty ornate frame in front of them
A mother and daughter holding up an archival print of a man in a sombrero holding a guitar
A large, extended family, each smiling and holding up a family photograph
A man and woman posing in front of a camera, holding a family photograph
A grandfather, mother, and son holding a family photo, standing in front of a quilt of family photographs and memorabilia
A woman holding an archival family photograph
A family laughing together, holding a collage of their family photographs

OUR VISION

We envision an inclusive society built on life-sustaining ways of connecting to one another. Structuring our social life in a supportive and fulfilling manner informs our concept of “family” and is at the heart of what we do.

PILLARS AND VALUES

Participatory Storytelling and Co-Creation

WE BELIEVE IN elevating the stories that spring from within communities—a block, a neighborhood, a city, a state, a group of people with common experiences—rather than those made without them.

A man in front of a table of family photographs, talking about them to 2 women
A mother, father, and their 2 children holding their family photograph with a camera crew recording

Reimagining the Family, Nation, and Diaspora

WE BELIEVE IN reimagining traditional ideas of family, nation, and diaspora to include communities of choice and invention.

Artistic activation of archives

WE BELIEVE that activating the family album enables us to articulate and connect our personal experiences to large historical events and political movements.

A gloved man holding a pile of family photographs, showing them to 2 others out of frame
2 women in the audience of a Family Pictures community photo-sharing event, laughing to each other

finding unity within difference

WE BELIEVE that fulfilling and healthy ways of connecting with each other are fostered when we reveal the rich and meaningful histories that bind us while exploring and celebrating our differences.

people’s history

WE BELIEVE that the everyday stories hidden in our family photographs are invaluable historical resources that should be studied and celebrated. To us, archives are like a language: if you don’t use it, you lose it.

A close-up shot of 2 archival, black and white family photos in a flipbook
2 people examining and discussing a large archival photograph on a table

STORYTELLING AND COMMUNITY WELLBEING

WE BELIEVE that community storytelling can inspire feelings of mutual trust, empathy, and understanding, which heals deep wounds in our communities and creates a healthier society

Download our White Paper to Learn More!

OUR TEAM

Thomas Allen Harris

Founder, Director-President

Don Perry

Founder, Director-Treasurer

Joanne Butcher

Development Consultant

Lindsey Seide

Associate Editor

Shanti Avirgan

Producer

Darah Martin

Associate Producer

Sonnet Carter

Executive Assistant

Headshot of Matthew Cohn

Matthew Cohn

Lead Editor

Headshot of Jonathan Waaland

Jonathan Waaland

Jr. Technology Assistant

OUR PARTNERS

cr=w_418,h_100
cr=w_100,h_100
cr=w_147,h_100
rs=w_232,h_100,cg_true
cr=w_257,h_100
rs=w_267,h_100,cg_true
cr=w_373,h_100
cr=w_395,h_100
cr=w_100,h_100 (1)

CONTACT US

We treasure co-creation and are always looking to develop partnerships. Contact us using the form below:

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Name
What are you interested in?
Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin

Our effort to enhance and maintain the accessibility of our website is ongoing. If you have difficulty accessing our website or services, please email [email protected]