Austin History Center Call For Stories On Life Amid The Pandemic

AUSTIN, TX —The COVID-19 pandemic has created a level of hardship on a scale not seen before in communities across the country. Some of the devastation experienced in Austin includes business closures, cancellation of signature events, job losses, and essential city systems pushed beyond capacity. Amid the uncertainty, there are nearly daily exhibits of solidarity among the community as Austin neighbors work together to remain strong.

In an effort to document the experiences of Austin residents during the pandemic, the Austin History Center calls on the community to share their stories about life during this historic and unprecedented time in history. COVID-19 Files: Austin Responds to a Pandemic offers an opportunity for community narratives, images, records, art, and other forms of expression related to the impacts of COVID-19. Ways to share your story may include:

• Write: Keep a Journal, write poetry, pen a script
• Create Art: Draw or paint
• Start a video blog or speak into a recorder
• Take photographs or video of your environment/community/life in quarantine
• Upload records from your business that document how it responded to the crisis (social media graphics, e-mail or mail correspondence, business announcements, etc.)
• Save your social media posts

Stories will be collected through the duration of the pandemic, and donations in any language is welcome. Contact the Austin History Center for questions about the project, or click HERE to upload your stories.