Jukebox Project in Cambridge Immortalizes Community Stories Through Art

Elisa Hamilton, a Boston-based artist, embarked on a mission to create a unique public art installation in Cambridge. To bring her vision to life, Hamilton needed a classic jukebox, so she turned to Garnick’s, a small record and retro jukebox shop in Lowell. There, she purchased a 1960 Seeburg that had been rendered inoperable and emptied of its contents. This empty state was ideal for Hamilton, who rebuilt the jukebox inside and out, customizing it for her art project.

Hamilton’s project, titled ‘Jukebox’, which was commissioned by the Cambridge Arts Council, operates similarly to a regular jukebox. However, instead of playing music, it plays 100 stories collected from interviews conducted by Hamilton and WBUR. These stories feature the voices of individuals from Cambridge throughout the decades, sharing tales of their communities, struggles, joys, discrimination, and personal growth.

Recently, Hamilton added more tracks to Jukebox and celebrated the occasion at The Foundry, where the complete interviews are archived. Attendees, such as Linda Jackson Ezell from Georgia, expressed the profound significance of having their stories and voices preserved for future generations. They reflected on their desire to leave a meaningful legacy for their families and how technology can help make that possible.

The Jukebox installation can be found at The Foundry in Cambridge, nestled in a cozy purple-cushioned nook. Visitors have been intrigued by this seemingly musical device, only to discover that it’s a repository of community stories. Hamilton intended for people to be curious and feel an overwhelming sense of community when experiencing her art. She collaborated with various individuals, such as Karen Shanley, who developed Jukebox’s visual identity, and audio mixer Kenmore Shaiko, to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Hamilton envisions Jukebox as a time capsule, allowing listeners today and in the future to gain insights into the unique and ever-changing community of Cambridge. The stories cover a wide range of topics, including community, family, immigration, and the many individuals who have shaped Cambridge into what it is today. One notable story, shared by Clyde Lindsay, highlights Frank Frisoli, a dedicated public school teacher who went above and beyond to help his students apply for college despite the rules against it. His story and 99 others now have a permanent place in Jukebox, ensuring that these personal narratives are not lost to time.

Jukebox is a permanent, free art installation that can be experienced at The Foundry in Cambridge. For those unable to visit in person, the stories can also be accessed online at [website].