Evaluation and Learning

A central goal of this project is to formulate lessons learned to guide other archives and communities and for future use of the project by community project partners. Evaluation is an important component of this project.

This project employs a bottom-up approach to evaluation that is guided by those involved in the project--HC's staff, community partners and community members. This participatory approach to evaluation provides opportunities for all those involved in the project to be partners in determining the effectiveness of the project, serving as a mechanism for empowerment.

Throughout the project, History Colorado staff, community partners and community members will reflect on their experiences with the project to provide insights that will guide the process. At various points throughout the project, History Colorado and community partners will collaborate in the design and implementation of the evaluation for this project (including asking the "what" questions, collecting data and interpreting results). Throughout this collaborative process, we will be sharing decision-making and engage in mutual exchange of critical understandings and learnings from the project. This ongoing reflection embraces community's knowledge, ideas and goals in order for the project to authentically center community values and priorities.