Even though we might be feeling a little stuck in place, spring is moving right along; many things to observe in our walks around the neighborhoods. (Flint House spring pictures below.)
There has been a lot in the media lately about recording the personal details of this pandemic for the future. We tend to think we’ll remember everything, but of course we’d be wrong. Especially with all these indoor days running together, it’s never been easier to lose track of time and events.
Here are some suggestions about keeping your memories for your family and for the community.
If you are not a journal keeper normally, try it now. It doesn’t have to be extensive, or even every day. Just jot things down as they occur to you.
Who’s in your house with you? What is your extended family doing?
Working? Furloughed? Uncertain?
Has your family been directly affected with illness? Do you know any of the people who have died?
What are the biggest changes to your daily routines, both positive and negative? Write down one day’s schedule of activities.
New crafts or cooking projects? What were those jigsaws you worked on? Maybe you made masks.
Take some screen shots of notable social media posts or news articles.
Are there family stories about the 1918 pandemic? If not, maybe you wish you knew what they were thinking back then. More inspiration to write down your feelings now.
And sometimes photos are even better!
At some point in all this there will be calls to share your memories. Here are some ways to do it now or in the future.
APHNYS is the Association of Public Historians of New York State. This article has some ideas about documenting what is going on. If you have a Google account there is a form to fill out and submit for future researchers.
http://www.aphnys.org/historians-start-documenting-covid-19/
Podcast
Devin Lander, New York State Historian and Lauren Roberts, the Saratoga County Historian, host the podcast, A New York Minute in History. In the latest episode, “Documenting a Pandemic in Real Time,” they talk with colleagues about how they are saving today’s history for future generations.
https://wamcpodcasts.org/a-new-york-minute-in-history/
http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/research-collections/state-history
Gazette (Schenectady)
“Local historians seek COVID-19 stories”
https://dailygazette.com/article/2020/04/14/duty-now-for-the-future-local-historians-seek-covid-19-stories-info
The New York Times
“What Historians Will See When They Look Back on the Covid-19 Pandemic of 2020”
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/15/us/coronavirus-pandemic-historians-archive.html?referringSource=articleShare
“The Lost Diaries of War”
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/04/15/arts/dutch-war-diaries.html?referringSource=articleShare
(I was able to read both of these by signing up with a free account—you’ll get a sign-up screen when you open the link—but I can’t guarantee it will always work, or that it will work for you.)
Schenectady County Historical Society
This post has an essay about why we need to collect your stories, as well as a form you can use if you have a Google account.
https://schenectadyhistorical.org/event/help-schs-build-an-archive-of-covid-19-stories/
The Town of Glenville is requesting your contribution to the Bicentennial time capsule to be opened in 50 years.
https://www.townofglenville.org/home/news/town-launches-glenville-2070-project
I would also be happy to collect information directly related to Scotia. You can email me or send any hard copies to the Village Office, 4 N. Ten Broeck St., Scotia.
