A Novel Lens to Examine the American West

Collective memory is a useful lens to examine post-industrial communities in the American West as they face transitions. Collective memory is formed by individuals in groups or communities who have shared memories, which contribute to their identity. Collective memories can exist in various mediums, including but not limited to public symbols, conversations, traditions, rituals, or texts. Research has examined collective memory in post-industrial mining communities to elucidate how it impacts the desire to embrace change, the ability to envision a new future, or connections to the landscape. Anaconda is a rural town located in southwest Montana with a legacy of copper mining and is currently listed as a Superfund site. Both qualitative and quantitative results will be presented about collective memory and how it affects the community outlook towards economic and cultural transitions. This research will provide insight into the importance of collective memory when studying post-industrial towns’ future trajectories in the West across both space and time.