Max Saakyan on Preserving History Through Fragments and Memory | Uncovering Roots

In this episode of Across Archives, host Kristi sits down with Max Saakyan, the creator of Uncovering Roots. Max’s work focuses on the intersection of audio documentary and historical preservation, specifically centering on narratives that have been sidelined by mainstream discourse.

The conversation dives deep into the mechanics of memory, the ethics of handling trauma in storytelling, and the specific challenges of reconstructing history when official archives are sparse.

Inside the Episode

Max shares the origin story of Uncovering Roots, which began as a personal exploration of Armenian history and evolved into a global project. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on his series regarding Palestinians in Paraguay—a 1969 covert relocation plan that left many families stranded under false pretenses.

Key discussion points include:

* The Power of Oral Testimony: How to shape a narrative when official records are incomplete or intentionally obscured.

* The 1969 Relocation Plan: A look into the specific case of Palestinian migration to South America and the “false promises” of labor that drove it.

* Ethical Storytelling: Navigating the delicate balance between historical accountability and the sensitive nature of personal trauma.

* Archives as Tools for Justice: Why timing and accessibility matter when bringing these echoes of the past into current global contexts.

Key Topics

* Reconstructing the Past: The role of local newspapers and community memory in filling archival gaps.

* Community-Centered Narrative: The importance of elevating voices from within affected communities rather than observing from the outside.

* Storytelling & Accountability: How preserving history serves as a form of education and a check on power.

* Memory Reconstruction: The psychological and political significance of what a society chooses to remember—and what it forgets.

Resources and Links

* Uncovering Roots Podcast: uncoveringrootspod.com

* The Refugee Archive: therefugeearchive.org

About the Podcast

Across Archives is a production of The Refugee Archive, a research initiative dedicated to the lived experiences of displaced people worldwide. Alongside our companion series, The Archive Speaks, we explore how community storytelling can reshape history, amplify marginalized voices, and build global solidarity.

Get full access to The Refugee Archive: Global Center for Displaced FHH at therefugeearchive.substack.com/subscribe