Oral Histories

Oral Histories: Preserving the Impact of COVID-19 on Our Lives

The Pandemic’s Unprecedented Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has left an undeniable mark on our world, affecting every aspect of our lives. To capture this unprecedented experience, universities, libraries, and museums are collecting oral histories from people who have weathered the storm.

Rapid-Response Collecting: Capturing Real-Time Experiences

Inspired by similar initiatives after 9/11 and the Women’s Marches, organizations are employing “rapid-response collecting” to gather accounts of the pandemic as it unfolds. The COVID-19 Oral History Project at Indiana University’s IUPUI Arts and Humanities Institute invites researchers and the public to share their stories through interviews or audio submissions.

Institutional and Community Perspectives

Various institutions are seeking personal narratives from their affiliated communities. Columbia University’s Interdisciplinary Center for Innovative Theory and Empirics is specifically collecting 1,000 stories from New Yorkers, prioritizing healthcare workers, emergency responders, and other essential workers. Brown University’s Pembroke Center for Teaching and Research on Women is gathering experiences from individuals who identify as women, transgender, or gender non-binary.

Museums Documenting the Pandemic

Museums are also playing a vital role in preserving the pandemic’s impact. The Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History is collecting artifacts, photographs, and documents to chronicle the pandemic’s effects on individuals, institutions, and communities. The Chicago History Museum is soliciting audio recordings from city residents, capturing the day-to-day changes and unexpected moments of levity and hope.

Regional Efforts: Amplifying Diverse Voices

Beyond national institutions, regional organizations are also collecting oral histories. The St. Joseph Public Library in Missouri and Foxfire, a heritage preservation group in southern Appalachia, are among those gathering stories from their communities. The Indiana Historical Society is accepting short video contributions, while the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh is preserving personal accounts through interviews and online submissions.

Preserving Our Collective History

These oral histories offer invaluable insights into the human experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. They will serve as primary source material for future historians, providing depth and context to the official accounts that will be written in history books. For those who share their stories, the process can also provide a sense of solace and connection amidst the chaos.

Personal Stories: Shaping the Narrative

The personal narratives collected through oral histories will shed light on the diverse ways in which COVID-19 has impacted individuals. From the challenges of isolation to the resilience of communities, these stories will shape our understanding of this historic event and its lasting effects on our society.

A Call for Participation

Organizations across the country are seeking personal accounts of how COVID-19 has impacted your life. Whether you have witnessed the pandemic’s effects firsthand or have experienced it from afar, your story matters. By sharing your experiences, you contribute to a collective record that will preserve our shared history for generations to come.

Documenting the Past for the Future

Diarna, a groundbreaking project of Digital Heritage Mapping, is dedicated to preserving and sharing Jewish heritage sites throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Using cutting-edge technology and the invaluable contributions of researchers and volunteers, Diarna offers an immersive virtual experience that transports users to these significant locations.

A Historical Tapestry

Jewish communities have thrived in the Middle East and North Africa for centuries, leaving behind a rich tapestry of synagogues, cemeteries, schools, and other cultural landmarks. However, war, persecution, and migration have led to the dispersal of these communities and the endangerment of their heritage sites.

Virtual Explorations

Diarna’s interactive map allows users to explore nearly 3,000 Jewish sites across multiple countries. High-quality photographs, historical documents, and oral histories provide a comprehensive understanding of each location. Stunning 3D models, created using photogrammetry and drones, offer an immersive experience that virtually transports users inside synagogues and other structures.

Unveiling Hidden Histories

Diarna’s work extends beyond mere documentation. The project aims to uncover and share forgotten narratives and diverse perspectives. Through interviews with former Jewish residents and local historians, Diarna sheds light on the vibrant cultural exchanges and interfaith relationships that once characterized these communities.

Preserving Endangered Sites

In regions affected by conflict and instability, Diarna’s documentation efforts take on a heightened significance. By creating virtual records of endangered sites, the project safeguards their memory and historical value for future generations. Virtual tours and 3D models allow users to explore these sites despite physical barriers and restrictions.

A Legacy of Resilience

Despite the challenges faced by Jewish communities throughout history, Diarna’s work serves as a testament to their resilience and enduring legacy. The project not only preserves physical sites but also celebrates the cultural and religious traditions that have been passed down through generations.

A Beacon of Hope

In an era marked by division and conflict, Diarna’s efforts offer a beacon of hope. The project promotes tolerance, understanding, and the preservation of cultural heritage for the benefit of all. By providing access to Jewish history and fostering dialogue, Diarna empowers individuals and communities to shape a more inclusive and informed future.

Preserving the Pandemic: Oral Histories Documenting the Impact of COVID-19