The Romani Archives and Documentation Center: A Migratory Archive?

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to outline the history of the Romani Archives and Documentation Center (RADOC), its origin, mission, function, and what sets it apart from other archives in the world. Ian Hancock, emeritus professor at the University of Texas at Austin (UT) and author of The Pariah Syndrome (1987) and We Are the Romani People (2002), initiated the collection and was responsible for its organization and preservation for thelast 50 years. Due to Hancock’s recent retirement, RADOC will soon move from Texas to Turkey. It seems appropriate to reflect on this unique collection through Rodrigo Lazo’s concept of the migratory archive. RADOC differs from hegemonic national archives because it represents a heterogeneous group of peopledispersed throughout the world who speak different languages. Romani history has been largely written by outsiders, but the experience of Roma has also been recorded through other means, including literature and music. Regardless of the format, RADOC is committed to preserving the diversity of Romani voices. It is crucial that new generations of Romani and nonRomani scholars fight for the conservation of this archive and thepreservation of Romani history.