Historic Preservation: A Shared Mission Across Archives and Cinemas
Amidst the vintage charm of Detroit’s Redford Theatre, Carolyn Alam, a dedicated archivist, finds solace in preserving history, whether through film or documentation. Her dual commitment to history comes alive both in the cinematic ambiance of the Redford and the academic corridors of the Bentley Historical Library at the University of Michigan.
At the Bentley Historical Library, Alam is immersed in preserving the stories of Michigan and its university. Her role since November 2025 revolves around ensuring institutional records are safeguarded, a task not unlike her nightly volunteer work at the Redford Theatre. “The end goal is always the same,” Alam noted. “It’s to make sure that the stories live on for people to learn from.”
From Movie Enthusiast to Volunteer
Alam’s association with the Redford began in 2022, fueled by her lifelong passion for cinema. Initially seeking to learn the art of projection, she started at the concessions, where all volunteers start. The experience deepened her appreciation for the theater and its community.
“The atmosphere of coming early and getting to be in the empty theater is very attractive to me,” Alam explained. “But the thing I really love is meeting the other volunteers because they also love movies and are really passionate about the Redford, going to the movie theater, and keeping places like this open.”
The Redford Theatre, first opened in 1928, now predominantly screens classic and cult films. Alam cherishes interactions with patrons who have watched films there decades ago, lending a tangible sense of living history to the space.
Path to Archival Excellence
Before joining Bentley, Alam honed her skills at the Detroit Sound Conservancy, a community archive. Here, she learned the significance of involving the community in preservation efforts, laying the foundation for her career in archival work.
“With the Redford and the Detroit Sound Conservancy, there’s a lot in common because we relied so heavily on the work of the community to assist in the archiving,” she said, highlighting the collaborative nature of her projects.
Alam’s academic journey continued at Wayne State University, where she earned a master’s in information and library science in 2025. Her work at Bentley involves organizing collections and ensuring public access, driven by her fascination with human stories across history.
For Alam, archives transcend mere documentation. “I think that’s just what brought me to this because archives are that contemporaneous history,” she said. “You’re reading what these people were thinking and what they were going through.”
Her philosophy extends to digital preservation, embracing the benefits while maintaining a reverence for the tangible experience of film. Reflecting on Walter Benjamin’s concept of ‘aura,’ Alam appreciates the unique presence of original objects.
“With digital, something really fragile never has to be touched again and it can be preserved, and you can use the digital copy as much as you want,” she said. “But I will say with film, I’m always thrilled. I’m always thrilled to go see a movie on film. I do think it makes a difference.”
Rooted in Michigan
A lifelong resident of Michigan, Alam’s deep connection to the state informs her perspective on preservation. She observes the delicate balance cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor maintain in preserving cultural integrity while advancing urban development.
“I’ve never really felt compelled to live anywhere else,” she confessed. “Honestly, I’m very biased, but every time I go anywhere, I think I live in the most beautiful place in the world.”
Through her work, whether at the Bentley or the Redford, Alam remains steadfast in her pursuit of human stories. “I’m always looking for that story,” she said, “so I can understand what’s happening in greater context.”
