Local History Museums and Libraries Seek Stories of the Pandemic
Several local museums and libraries are joining in an effort to collect the stories of how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the lives of Nebraskans. Eight organizations: Douglas County Historical Society, The Durham Museum, El Museo Latino, Great Plains Black History Museum, History Nebraska, Sarpy County Museum, UNO Criss Library and UNMC McGoogan Library of Medicine are all seeking to document this time in history through collection of objects, stories, photographs and more.
Through this process of contemporary (or active) collecting, stories and objects are gathered while an event is happening. In times like these, it is important to preserve experiences at the time they happened so that details are not lost. It is a true treasure when items can be donated by those who used or made them and can pass along a story first-hand. Our ability to share stories relies on people collecting for the future.
“In partnership with other local institutions, we are striving to document our “present” history for future residents; our stories of struggle and triumph deserve to be told to future generations,” said Becky Putzer, Collection Manager at The Durham Museum.
Donations can be made at any of the organizations participating. Below is a listing of what each organization is collecting. You can find a full list of collection plans and contacts at each organization in the attached document.
Douglas County Historical Society
Seeks to collect photos of life during this time in Omaha, Ralston, Waterloo and Elkhorn. Also collecting interviews with Douglas County residents.
The Durham Museum
Seeks to collect handwritten letters, photos, journals, art and artifacts (objects) related to the local experience in the time of pandemic.
El Museo Latino
Seeks to collect Latino, Latino American and Latino Immigrant experience through digital images, oral history and stories during the COVID-19 pandemic in Omaha, Nebraska.
Great Plains Black History Museum
Seeks to collect artifacts (objects), and digital content to document the African American community experience during the COVID-19 Pandemic, in Omaha, NE.
History Nebraska
History Nebraska seeks to collect objects, photos, journal entries, and other media to document the views and responses of individuals, businesses, organizations, and communities to COVID-19 in Nebraska.
Sarpy County Museum
Seeks to collect objects related to Sarpy County, its communities and their people. Ideally, the museum would be looking for objects such as signs, masks, receipts, letters/journals or photos, experiences and anything else to help further tell this chapter in history from a local Sarpy County perspective.
UNO Libraries’ Archives and Special Collections
Seeks to collect photos, journal entries, reflections, interviews, photo essays, drawings, plays, and other creative forms of documenting that reflects your own experience during this time.
UNMC McGoogan Library of Medicine
Launching a campus-wide project to encourage UNMC and Nebraska Medicine students, staff, faculty and alumni to document their personal experiences during the COVID-19 outbreak and contribute them to the library archive. Submissions of all physical and digital materials are welcome.
