Homemade art, videos and social media posts about the coronavirus’ impact in Pittsburgh are being sought by the Heinz History Center. People are asked to submit any digital or physical example of how the city is experiencing and responding to this unprecedented historic event.
Archivist Carly Lough said it didn’t take long for the center’s staff to realize such a step was necessary.
“And so what we're trying to do is seize the moment and collect as much as we can to tell future researchers how we're getting through this,” Lough said.
Helpful coronavirus links:
- How to keep yourself safe when grocery shopping and handling items
- A look at the conflicting, and confusing, information around wearing masks
- Where to get tested for COVID-19 in Pittsburgh
- A Pittsburgher’s guide to staying entertained while social distancing
From handmade artwork by recently-homeschooled children, to masks, to signs on the doors of local businesses, Lough said any item related to the current moment will be accepted. Digital content, like photos, videos, or social media posts, are also encouraged.
“We need help from the community around us to find these stories,” Lough said.
The History Center recently built a real-time archive in the aftermath of the 2018 Tree of Life shooting. Then, they gathered physical items like programs from funerals and memorial signs, as well as digital content like sounds from vigils and social media links.
More about how to send a submission can be found here.
