Emerging Initiatives
We are launching two new ways for community members, artists, and descendants to contribute to the living history of the Trail of Death. Add your voice and help us ensure this journey is remembered.
Descendant Voices
Our goal is to build a living, interactive archive that bridges the past and the present. The Potawatomi Trail of Death Association is collecting personal narratives, oral histories, and reflections from Potawatomi descendants and community members whose families were impacted by the forced removal of 1838.
By anchoring each unique voice to specific geographical markers along the 660-mile route, we aim to ensure that this journey is remembered not just as a tragic historical event, but through the enduring spirit, strength, and resilience of those who survived it.
Whether it is a family story passed down through generations, an audio recording of a memory, or a written reflection on what the trail means to you today, your contribution will help us build a deeper, more personal understanding of this history. We invite you to add your voice to the map and help us honor the legacy of those who walked the Trail of Death. Video, audio, and written submissions are all welcome.
Submit Your StoryHelp Tell the Story
What is AR? Augmented Reality allows you to use your smartphone to uncover hidden layers of history. Imagine standing at a marker, opening a link on your phone, and seeing digital artwork or hearing spoken poetry anchored directly to that physical space through your screen. Even if you are exploring our interactive map from home, you can experience these immersive stories. We are actively building these digital layers and accepting submissions.
What We're Looking For
Original compositions, traditional songs, or instrumental pieces that evoke the emotional resonance of the journey.
Visual reflections through paintings, illustrations, or photography that honor the ancestors and the landscape.
Spoken word, written reflections, and poems that give voice to the history and its living descendants.
Oral histories, short documentaries, or personal testimonies that capture the enduring legacy of the Trail.
