About the mini docu-series
Ashes in My Neighborhood is a three-part documentary series that follows Maria, a Puerto Rican historian and lifelong resident of Holyoke, as she explores the long-term impacts of a series of devastating fires that swept through South Holyoke in the 1970s. The series connects personal memory, community trauma, and historical investigation, looking at how the fires affected residents politically, environmentally, and psychologically. From the 1970s to the 1980s, Holyoke was known as the arson capital of the US. Block after block went up in flames as poor housing conditions, greedy landlords, and opportunistic urban planners collaborated to displace Boricuas. The series unfolds in three parts:
- “A Personal Reflection” - Maria talks about her experience living in South Holyoke during 1970s fires
- “Uncovering Whose Responsible” - Maria investigates the South Holyoke fire history at Wistariahurst Museum
- “Roundtable Conversation” - Maria sits with community experts to discuss the longstanding impacts of the fires
The series will be shown in community screenings throughout Holyoke.
- Community Screening - Thurs May 29th | 5PM to 7PM
- Holyoke Media
- 1 Court Plaza, Holyoke, MA
- Nueva Esperanza - TBA
- South Holyoke Public Screenings - TBA
- MA Tour - TBA
Ashes
Ashes in my neighborhood come from Executive Producers María Salgado Cartagena, Michelle Falcón Fontánez, and Terry Gibson.
The team behind Ashes in My Neighborhood is made up of storytellers, organizers, and educators with deep roots in the communities they serve. For each of them, this project is personal — a way to honor lived experiences, preserve overlooked histories, and spark conversations that matter.
sponsored by
Holyoke Local Cultural Council | Mass Humanities - Expand Massachusetts Stories Grant | Neighbor to Neighbor