Toxic Archives: Voices from Love Canal
Step into the lived experiences of a community forever changed by environmental crisis. This exhibition presents the poignant stories of Love Canal residents from Niagara Falls, New York, through carefully redacted interviews conducted in 1978–79, now open to the public for the first time. The University Archives’ ethical redaction project balances transparency with privacy, making these powerful testimonies available while protecting personal information. As you explore photographs, correspondence, and firsthand accounts, you'll witness not only the struggle for environmental justice but also the delicate balance archivists maintain as stewards of sensitive historical records. These voices from Love Canal speak to us across time—of loss, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of accountability.
Community Science and Environmental Justice in Western New York (Hybrid)
Thursday, April 30, 2026
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Silverman Library, 3rd floor, 310 Capen Hall
University at Buffalo, North Campus
Join Dr. Lourdes Vera, Associate Professor of Sociology and Environment & Sustainability at the University at Buffalo, for an engaging talk on community-driven approaches to environmental challenges in the region. Dr. Vera’s work bridges sociology, environmental monitoring, and data justice, highlighting how residents and citizen scientists can collaboratively identify and address air and soil contamination and other environmental health concerns. Her research explores the intersections of environmental justice, public participation, and equitable access to environmental information. Presented as part of the University Archives exhibition series, this program extends the conversation beyond Love Canal to contemporary environmental issues.