In the ever-changing modern society, urban landscapes tend to look increasingly similar and the notion of life in village communities eventually fades from memory. Every place has its own unique history and narratives that might turn hazy as time goes by. Against this backdrop, many cultural professionals and scholars have begun striving to preserve these precious local recollections through a variety of projects. These initiatives not only bring back to life scenes from the past, but also foster cultural transmission and identity in local communities.
 

 

 

By recording the oral accounts of 30 elders in Post-War Life and Memories: Oral History Research Project of Common People in Saline Land, researchers recreated the process of how these elders worked the land, adapted to social changes, and preserved the deep bond to their homeland. These stories serve as a precious legacy for future generations to further understand their hometowns and transformations in the local landscape. They not only allow young people to rediscover the warmth of home, but also demonstrate the tenacity of rural villagers in the face of harsh environments.
 

 

 

Immigrants coming from Yunnan and Myanmar to Taiwan were resettled to Jiyang Sub-field, yet this unique chapter in history is in danger of gradual oblivion as the first generation of immigrants passes away. In Survey on the Yunnan-Myanmar Immigrant Culture and Cultural Landscape in Jiyang Subfield, researchers interviewed immigrant families, collected old photos and documents, and reconstructed the narrative of their early establishment and shared tidbits of daily life. Together, these oral stories and images paint a vivid picture of unique immigration history.
 

 

 

As the Taoyuan Aerotropolis project carries forward, the Zhuwei community faces the danger of total demolition. Preservation Project for Cultural and Historical Memory of Zhuwei, Dayuan in Face of Imminent Disappearance exhaustively documents the history of this 170-year-old traditional settlement. By interviewing residents and taking photos and videos of the community, the research team created records of residents' lifestyles, religious beliefs, and local ceremonies. These images and oral accounts prove especially precious at a time when local life appears to be on the verge of extinction. They can act as a major repository for reminiscences of the homeland and a significant reference for local cultural research.
 

 

 

Chin Mieau Photo Studio Project compiles the pictures taken by a traditional photography studio in Yangmei, Taoyuan. These images immortalize the looks and lifestyles of local residents across different ages. Based on field research and interviews, this project restores the details of family life via images and stories, allowing future generations to glimpse into scenes of the past. These pictures not only serve as historical archives of local life, but also allow younger people to learn more about their ancestors' lives on this land and keep alive countless emotional memories.
 

 

 

Taixi Village epitomizes remote areas. As most young people have moved away to other regions, a population consisting predominantly of seniors remains in the settlement. The Taixi Village Cape Life Project delves deep into the life experiences and collective memories of seniors in Taixi Village and documents their inner journeys with each passing day. Through in-depth interviews and video recordings, the research team presents a picture of the challenges faced by these villagers in their old age and records their life wisdom, commitment to the land, and profound bonds rooted in local culture. These stories reflect the diversity of life in remote villages and call on future generations to safeguard these life memories that bear witness to the unique vibrancy of each place.

 

*Translator: Linguitronics