through archives, action gains momentum.
The making of history begins with action — followed by documentation, interpretation, and narration. In the course of action, documents, letters, photographs, and objects are continuously created and circulated. Some are preserved; others vanish in a fleeting moment.
As activists, we seek to reclaim our voices through the preservation of records. Practising archival activism, we strive to bring archives and action into dialogue, so that history may return to the community from which it begins.
rich and unfinished history of civic action
Hong Kong Action Archives (HKAA) is committed to collecting and preserving materials related to civic actions in Hong Kong. Our collection includes physical artefacts from numerous public demonstrations, as well as documents from civic organisations, with items dating back to the 1960s. To date, our entire collection weighs over 5 tonnes and is stored in approximately 500 boxes.
Collection processing is currently underway. The materials will gradually be made available through future physical exhibitions and an upcoming online database.
▘ Collections management
One way to preserve intangible memories is through tangible materials — objects, documents, and more. In preserving these vessels of history, we carefully carry out a series of procedures, including numbering, packing, condition checking, conservation, cataloguing, and digitisation. We strive to retain not only the physical state of each item but also its historical and contextual significance. As an extension of the preservation process, we are committed to developing effective ways of sharing these materials, making them accessible and meaningful to both the general public and researchers.
Through online platforms, we maintain ongoing connections with Hong Kong communities around the world, listening to and valuing their unique memories of Hong Kong. We welcome conversations about archival practices and are always exploring new ways to collaborate. These efforts allow communities to actively participate in the archiving process and help realise the meaning and value of a community archive.
There is no better way to preserve memory than to share it. Archives must step out of storage and engage in dialogue with the public. Only through this exchange can their meanings be truly understood and go on to shape both the present and the future. Drawing from our collection, we weave together history and human rights education to foster inclusive and diverse spaces for public discussion.
Hong Kong Action Archives became officially registered as a non-profit organisation in Taiwan in 2025. First initiated by Hongkongers in Taiwan, the organisation has now expanded into an entity with 12 board and supervisory board members and several staff, constituted by both Hongkongers and Taiwanese. These members and staff bring in expertise from diverse fields, including history, culture, human rights, museum, information security, and organisation operation, etc.
As a Taiwan-based Hong Kong organisation, we see ourselves as both a member of Hong Kong's civil society and of Taiwan's civil society. It is our priority to explore possible avenues of collaboration between the two and further strengthen our ties. Together, we are confident that we could safeguard the values and memories that we hold dear, and share them with the world.
Below is an introduction to some of our team members: