Collecting Community Stories During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Collecting Community Stories During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The world is currently experiencing a major historical event, the effects of which will be felt long into the future. Our lives have changed drastically in the last few weeks and will probably continue to change even more in the weeks to come. It is part of the Oberlin Heritage Center’s mission to preserve Oberlin’s unique heritage and right now we need your help to preserve this moment in history.
How You Can Help
Artifacts, photographs, and primary documents are the foundation of all research and programming done at OHC. With your help we can create a collection of materials documenting Oberlinians’ experiences during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. This resource will help future generations understand what life was like during the outbreak. We are currently looking for donations of writings, such as journals, and images that capture daily life during the pandemic. These can be as formal or as informal as you chose.
Possible topics for writings include but are not limited to:
- Describe how your daily life has changed over the last few weeks. Are you working from home or are you an essential worker still going in to work? Are you a student who is now homeschooled or engaged in distance learning?
- How has social distancing impacted your life? Describe ways you are staying connected to friends and family.
- Describe a milestone you missed or a sacrifice you have had to make.
- If COVID-19 has touched you or someone close to you, describe your experience with the illness.
- What are you most looking forward to once the stay at home order has ended?
If photographs are more your speed, look for images that document daily life during the pandemic. Take pictures of differences you notice around town. Take pictures of your family and friends engaged in their new normal.
If you are interested in learning more about this project or would like to donate please contact OHC’s Collections Manager, Maren McKee, at [email protected]. Include your full name and a phone number where you can be reached.
Oberlin in the Time of Coronavirus
The Oberlin Heritage Center is also actively collecting oral histories with community members, business owners, and students about the impact of COVID-19 on their personal and professional lives. If you would like to learn more or volunteer to assist with this project, please contact OHC board member Laurel Price Jones. [email protected]
