The Preserving of the Western Samoa Independence Collection ProjectApia, Samoa June 2-13, 2025
Once again, I and my Samoan colleagues, Vaveao Toa, and Simi Tanielu acquired necessary funding from the Fund for the International Development of Archives (FIDA) Grant through the International Council on Archives. The grant was to be used to preserve the Western Samoa Independence Collection at the National Archives and Library of Samoa that housed in the Samoa Culture and Arts Center. The collection covers records from the Western Samoa Independence. Although Western Samoa's independence took place in 1962, the time frame of the collection spans several decades comprising pre- and post-independence records from the early 1930s to the late 1980s.
The collection is one of the most important collections of the National Archives of Samoa. They were created by countries that had a hand in governing the islands for a period and were written in Chinese, English, German, and Samoan respectively. Although Samoa's independence happened in 1962, the collection completely tells the story of the country's pre- and post-independence.
The Western Samoa Independence collection is composed of approximately 1000 small archival boxes, and is comprised of personal and office files of the early government departments established from the 1930's to 1980's. The collection consists of primarily paper records. However, there are other types of records such as, photographs and oversize material like maps. Because of the extent of the number of documents, the first phase of processing the records took more than ten years to complete by the staff of the National Archives of Samoa to sort and box. It is, therefore, time to initiate the second phase of processing the collection- preservation, which also is deemed that this will help make the records more easily accessible.
The physical condition of the archival material will be better preserved by this project. Because the records of the Western Samoa Independence collection are considered crucial to the history of Samoa, the records will be scrutinized, appraised, cleaned, and repaired to increase their longevity. If appraised to be beyond repair, or if their lifespan is deemed to be short-lived, surrogates will be made.
The project will be executed in three parts: assessing and processing the collection, two workshops on preservation will be conducted- one in Apia, and one on the island of Savai'i, and finally a Preservation Manual will be written for the National Archives and reviewed and edited by the Archives staff to their specificities.
- Storing Archives
- Packaging and Containers
- Environmental Conditions (Building)
- Handling Archive Material
- Handling Oversize Material (Maps)
- Handling Mold Outbreaks
- Handling Pest Infestations
- Preservation Supplies
We also added the topics of Archival Appraisal techniques and Handling Oversize Material to the workshop. The workshop was then wrapped up by the presentation of certificates.
On Wednesday, June 11, several members of the Archive and Library staff and I caught the ferry to Savai'i Island. Other staff members remained behind at the Samoa Arts and Culture Center to facilitate the exhibitions and tours. Once we arrived on the island, we made more errands and helped set-up for the events that were to take place at the Public Library.
Then, on Thursday, June 12, the day started with a Welcome Speech by the Public School Director, Tupufia Ualesi. He was then followed by Rev. Tonu Mauafua, who provided the Morning Prayer. A special message was then given by the Ministry of Education and Culture Deputy CEO. After the speech, a primary school took the stage and performed a skit about book characters. After all the formalities, the second Preservation Workshop took place on the second floor of the Public Library. This time there were about 20 people who attended. They were mainly school library workers who were representing the many schools on the island. Other participants were from a Ministry office. The same topics that were presented on Tuesday were utilized in this workshop.
International Archives and Library Week ended on Friday, June 13, at the Public Library on Savai'i Island. After the Morning Prayer by Aiolo Simi Tanielu, four more primary schools performed either a poem recitation, skit, or dance and song. The dance and song performances were of particular interest as they were originally choreographed and written by the schools and were about archives and libraries. We wrapped up the week by handing out certificates to those who participated in the Preservation Workshop on the previous day.
Overall, the project was a tremendous success. We were able to start preserving the Western Samoa Independence collection and set a plan for the rest of the year. The workshop was well attended, and the participants were engaged from start to finish. Many concerns and issues came to the forefront, and we had very good discussions. that International Archives and Library week was also a big achievement. It was also well attended in Apia and Savai'i. The National Archives and Library staff must be given a big congratulations for the hard work and effort for organizing the weeklong celebration. They truly did an amazing job!
I would be remiss if I didn't pass along a few acknowledgements for the project. I first want to thank the Samoa Ministry of Education and Culture and the staff of the National Archives and Library for their support of the project and workshops. I would also like to show gratitude to the International Council on Archives- Fund for the International Development of Archives (FIDA) for providing funding for me to come to Samoa and perform the project and workshops. Island Culture Archival Support also provided some of the funding and deserves a little recognition. A special thank you must be given to the staff of the National Archives and Library who accepted me and treated me like one of their colleagues and friend. I will always truly cherish their Samoan hospitality, cheerfulness, and helpfulness. I can't wait to see their smiles again in the near future.
