The concept of a “first death” correlates with the physical passing of an individual, while the “second death” responds to an individual being forgotten. Processes of memorialization play a crucial role in reinforcing the history and impact of those who have passed. In Western cultures, memorialization often involves idolization through objects and visuals, commonly seen in museums, galleries, cemeteries, and personal spaces. In contrast, non-Western societies rely more on informal methods including storytelling, oral traditions, and non-material commemoration practices. In the context of New York City, a lack of alternative methods of memorialisation coupled with violent histories has led to the displacement and erasure of communities.

Our project proposes memorialization as a practice that facilitates the transmission of history and memories through interpersonal connections rather than institutional frameworks. By leveraging sensory experiences, particularly the evocative power of smell, our memorial-archive serves as a catalyst for sharing stories and quotidian traditions within familial and communal settings, notably around a kitchen table. Through the act of cooking, narratives and methods are passed down from one generation to the next, establishing a continuum of knowledge and tradition. The indispensability of this project lies in its ability to create communal place attachments through ritualistic activities of cooking and gathering. The shared space fosters a culture of continual archiving, contributing to the preservation of histories within the fabric of New York City. Our intervention is a physical memorial-archive space that sits in and under the now-decommissioned reservoir. It serves as both a tribute to the past and a catalyst for future engagement. By prioritizing storytelling, shared experiences, and communal culinary practices, our project endeavors to democratize the sharing of histories, shifting the narrative away from institutional control and towards the agency of the people.