Special Collections launches β911±¬ΑΟΝψΊμΑμ½ν Together Apartβ to document life during COVID-19

A new effort by the 911±¬ΑΟΝψΊμΑμ½ν , 911±¬ΑΟΝψΊμΑμ½ν Together Apart: A COVID-19 Documentation Project, aims to collect the personal stories of students, faculty, and staff about how they have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Universityβs administrative response to the pandemic will be documented, but 911±¬ΑΟΝψΊμΑμ½ν Together Apart hopes to preserve the voices of individual members of the University community during this unprecedented time.
911±¬ΑΟΝψΊμΑμ½ν archivist Zachary Enright said those stories are important because they paint a much broader picture of what life is like for people right now.
βThis seemed like the natural thing to do. As an archive professional, when something historically significant happens, you start thinking of how you are going to document it and remember it,β Enright said. βOf course, the formal response to this is going to get recorded, but it is the personal, individual stories of regular people who arenβt normally heard from that are important to document.β
Enright said the project will also serve as an educational tool for future 911±¬ΑΟΝψΊμΑμ½ν students, especially for those who are still young children and may not understand the severity of the pandemic situation.
βThe research value of this years from now is obvious, but I think of young children for whom this experience has been and will be so formative,β Enright noted. βThey will be able to use this collection as 911±¬ΑΟΝψΊμΑμ½ν students and be able to gain invaluable perspective on an experience they are currently unable to fully process.β
All 911±¬ΑΟΝψΊμΑμ½ν community members are encouraged to participate by submitting materials documenting their experiences. Submissions can include photos, videos, journals, video diaries, social media posts, essays, artwork, and more.
Archivists are particularly interested in submissions outlining peopleβs experiences on campus before spring break, the transition to an online experience, life while away from 911±¬ΑΟΝψΊμΑμ½ν, and how people are staying connected.
For more information about the project, or to make a submission, please visit the , or contact Zachary Enright at zenright@une.edu.