In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which struck Asheville, North Carolina, in September 2022, the devastation left by the storm was profound, as described vividly through images of hollowed-out homes, submerged cars, and roads stripped of life. Taylor Schenker, 27, was particularly affected by the widespread destruction and set out to make a difference soon after the disaster.
While searching for belongings with a friend, Schenker discovered a collection of mud-stained photographs, which depicted cherished moments in the lives of strangers, including family reunions, weddings, and portraits of loved ones. She felt a calling to help restore these memories, leading her to create an Instagram account entitled “photos from Helene.” Schenker, who set up a post-office box and collaborated with a volunteer search and rescue team, managed to recover over 500 photos, describing them as “little needles in a haystack.”
Upon reuniting a photo with its owner for the first time, Schenker experienced an emotional response, realizing the profound importance these images held for those who had lost so much. For many victims of the hurricane, like Mary Moss, who evacuated her home of nearly 40 years only to have her car crushed by a fallen tree, the recovery of personal photographs was a significant act of kindness. Moss was overwhelmed upon receiving photos of her son Tommy, who had passed away at the age of 12. These images served as irreplaceable reminders of their son’s life.
Schenker’s project highlights how crucial photographs are in preserving memories of loved ones and significant life events. After finding images nearly three miles from the Moss family's home, she delivered them directly to Moss, who expressed that it was “overwhelming” to receive such fragile pieces of her history back. The families have since received FEMA assistance and temporary housing, but the emotional scars from their losses remain, with many irreplaceable memories lost to the storm.
On the West Coast, Claire Schwartz, 31, initiated a similar effort in response to the Eaton fire that took place in the Altadena foothills of Los Angeles. Faced with the possibility of rain damaging photographs mixed with ash, Schwartz recognized the urgency of the situation and took it upon herself to salvage as many photos as possible. She discovered photographs among debris in local parks, front yards, and even a nearby golf course.
Schwartz's background as an archival intern helped her understand the proper way to handle and preserve damaged photos. With advice from photo conservators, she learned to protect these artifacts from further deterioration. Although her own home survived the fire, the surrounding landscape was unrecognizable, affected drastically by the devastation.
Both Schenker and Schwartz emphasize the importance of personal safety while engaging in their efforts, as handling other people's treasured memories can be emotionally charged. Professional conservators like Luca Ackerman stress that personal heirlooms often elicit a range of emotions and that it’s essential to approach these situations with sensitivity.
As communities grapple with the aftermath of catastrophic events such as hurricanes and wildfires, initiatives like those of Schenker and Schwartz showcase the resilience and strength that can emerge amid tragedy. Through their dedication to reuniting people with lost memories, these individuals embody a spirit of community support, reminding others that even in the face of destruction, hope can still flourish.
