20 Years of Preserving History: South Side Home Movie Project at 20

Founded in 2005 by Dr. Jacqueline Stewart, the South Side Home Movie Project (SSHMP) is dedicated to collecting, preserving, digitizing, exhibiting, and researching the rich tapestry of home movies created by Chicago's South Side residents. More than just an archive, SSHMP empowers individuals and families to share their cherished memories and unique perspectives, creating an unparalleled visual record. We ensure the vibrant cultures and evolving narratives of the South Side are preserved for generations to come and celebrated as a vital thread in the history of the city of Chicago.

Today, SSHMP holds more than 1,200 reels of small-gauge film – 16mm, 8mm, and Super-8mm footage shot by South Siders spanning from the 1930s to the 1980s. As part of UChicago’s Arts + Public Life, the South Side Home Movie Project goes far beyond traditional archival boundaries, acting as a cultural steward that brings together a community of donors, students, artists, practitioners, and neighbors to explore a wide range of educational and creative reuse initiatives.

"Twenty years ago, the South Side Home Movie Project began with a simple yet profound vision: to ensure that the vivid, personal histories captured in home movies by South Side residents would be preserved and celebrated. Today, as we mark this incredible milestone, I am filled with immense gratitude for the families who have entrusted us with their precious memories, the partners who have amplified our reach, and the team that has tirelessly built this invaluable archive. Together, we've created a living testament to the resilience, creativity, and everyday beauty of the South Side. We invite you to explore these stories and join us as we embark on our next two decades of discovery."

— Dr. Jacqueline Stewart, Founder and Director

Join us this summer, all the way through summer 2026, as we commemorate two decades of community-driven archiving and storytelling. Throughout the year, we'll be celebrating our past achievements and looking forward to an even brighter future!

In the Spotlight

How to Build a Home Movie Archive by Elizabeth Myles

We were so proud to present "The Act of Recording is an Act of Love: The South Side Home Movie Project" together with Logan Center Exhibitions. This exhibition gave visitors a beautiful glimpse into the research and preservation processes of home movies, sharing stories of joy, love, and the intimacies of everyday life.

  • Check back here for more upcoming programs

Did you know it takes 40 hours of work to process a single reel of film from intake to presentation?

From dusty film cans to brilliant digital files, the journey of a home movie is truly remarkable. In this video, we pull back the curtain on the SSHMP’s preservation process. Learn how our team meticulously cleans, digitizes, and archives these precious films, ensuring that the stories of Chicago's past are preserved for future generations.

Image on front: Althea Gibson from the Ramon Williams Collection, courtesy of SSHMP
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Photos by Sarah Elizabeth Larson

Photos by Sarah Elizabeth Larson
SSHMP brought a vibrant celebration of South Side history to the 95th Bud Billiken® Parade, streaming rare footage from the newly digitized Ramon Williams Collection on a mobile screen, showing nostalgic scenes of the parade from the 1940s to the 196

SSHMP brought a vibrant celebration of South Side history to the 95th Bud Billiken® Parade, streaming rare footage from the newly digitized Ramon Williams Collection on a mobile screen, showing nostalgic scenes of the parade from the 1940s to the 1960s alongside fabric banners depicting scenes from the archive, crafted by the Teen Arts Council at Arts + Public Life. Photo by Natasha Moustache

During the pandemic, the South Side Home Movie Project and Arts + Public Life launched "Spinning Home Movies," setting historical silent films of Black South Side life to DJ-curated soundtracks. This innovative program fosters community connection an

During the pandemic, the South Side Home Movie Project and Arts + Public Life launched "Spinning Home Movies," setting historical silent films of Black South Side life to DJ-curated soundtracks. This innovative program fosters community connection and dialogue, earning critical acclaim and over 13,000 views while reframing perceptions of the South Side. This photo captured the second in-person Spinning Home Movies featuring Reginald Robinson’s performance in 2023. Photo by Natasha Moustache

Home movie donors Lynette Frazier, Jeanette Foreman, Susan Ellis, Harriette Moody and Linda Pitts gather at the unveiling of SSHMP's Arts Lawn Banners, in front of the Green Line Performing Arts Center, October 9, 2021

Home movie donors Lynette Frazier, Jeanette Foreman, Susan Ellis, Harriette Moody and Linda Pitts gather at the unveiling of SSHMP's Arts Lawn Banners, in front of the Green Line Performing Arts Center, October 9, 2021

A moment of discovery at Home Movie Day in 2023, where a little girl explores a film reel. This day-long event celebrates the vibrant home movie legacy of Chicago's South Side. Photo by Joel Maisonet

A moment of discovery at Home Movie Day in 2023, where a little girl explores a film reel. This day-long event celebrates the vibrant home movie legacy of Chicago's South Side. Photo by Joel Maisonet

How You Can Be Part of Our Next 20 Years