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Paul Chiddicks's avatar

This part really underscores how fragile legacy can be when it isn’t formally protected. Annie’s vision was so ambitious and forward-looking, yet without institutional backing it slowly slipped into obscurity almost immediately. The image of the safe, meant for the future, already forgotten within a couple of decades is striking, and a bit haunting. It makes you wonder how many other “bridges to the future” have quietly disappeared the same way.

Lori Olson White's avatar

It does, doesn’t it, Paul? And speaks to good intentions and the value of encouraging personal buy-in into what we all do. To finding - or just getting lucky - that one person who care, who’s emotionally invested in moving the ball forward, whether because of the personal connection to us or to the project.

If nothing else, Annie’s story has brought home to me the idea that our work i - MY work — is incomplete until it is in safe hands, or at least safe for now. It’s a conversation I’m preparing to have in a much more intentional way.

Paul Chiddicks's avatar

Exactly! we all need that emotion buy in to a story, any story, our ancestors stories our our own!

Barbara at Projectkin's avatar

Oh, Lori, you have not failed your mission. Annie’s spirit is now in you. An incredible piece and perfect for our time approaching the semi quincentennial.

Lori Olson White's avatar

Thanks, @Barbara! I’m just getting started 😉 Big announcements coming in the next couple weeks!

Barbara at Projectkin's avatar

Ah… I knew you had something coming.

Jill Swenson's avatar

Annie never gave up her patriotic zeal for her projects. And I can't wait to hear about Emma. Annie's life had so many twists and turns, I'm curious to hear about her legacy and the opening of the century safe in 1976.

Lori Olson White's avatar

Hers is such a captivating American story and I’m only scratching the surface in the piece.