Stories hold the power to preserve what time might otherwise erase, keeping alive the threads of memory that connect us to the land, to each other, and to those who came before.
Our partnership with Indigenous Memories proved the power of storytelling, design, and technology to protect history, honor legacy, and deepen understanding. But it also proved something else. We realized that the creative skills we honed in marketing could serve a crucial mission.
From this realization, Blue Ridge Collaborative (BRC) was born to powerfully apply creative skills to educate, entertain, and inform in a way that changes how we see the world.
Founded to preserve the sacred lands and histories of Indigenous and African-descended peoples in North Carolina, Indigenous Memories maintains burial grounds and mounds that hold centuries of untold stories. Their mission is to amplify the voices of those whose histories have too often been buried, both literally and figuratively.
Working closely with IM's director, Beverly Scarlett, we immediately felt the emotional depth and critical importance of this work. The IM team wanted to tell these stories in ways that matched their cultural and emotional weight. Our core team at Parklife Communications knew we had the creative toolkit—the ability to research, synthesize, design, and manage complex projects—that would translate perfectly into this mission-driven space.
The true proof of concept came through the creation of “Common Ground in Orange County.” This digital timeline, made possible by an America 250 NC grant, is an ambitious, interactive exhibit that combines archival materials, drone footage, and multimedia storytelling. It explores the intertwined histories of Indigenous and enslaved people in the Carolina Piedmont and asks a profound question: “When are we us?”
The project succeeded because of incredible chemistry and a seamless blend of skills between our team and IM’s Annie Newton. On project strategy, Parklife’s founder, Brian Castle, paired perfectly with Annie Newton's deep understanding of the mission. The project also demanded rigorous attention to detail: Lisa Smith spearheaded the historical research and writing, while Annie Vann expertly handled the complex project management.
Our design skills — led by Jess Ledrowski and Rachel Cameron — helped craft the visual identity and site maintenance, and Carly Martinelli captured historical narratives and primary documents through compelling videography.
Through this deep collaboration, we illuminated how the fight for independence held vastly different meanings for people of color, challenging visitors to reflect on freedom, identity, and belonging in America’s founding story.
That experience — the power of the work, the success of the collaboration, and the shared vision — is what inspired the launch of Blue Ridge Collaborative. BRC was founded to do more of this kind of work across more communities.
As Blue Ridge Collaborative, we’re proud to stand behind initiatives like Indigenous Memories that leverage creative narratives and design to expand our understanding of the world, whether recounting the past or exploring new perspectives. We help ensure that complex stories are told not as a single voice, but as a tapestry woven from many.
Learn more about how we help creators and communities bring their stories to life at Blue Ridge Collaborative.
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