Residents of East Tennessee are being asked to document their coronavirus experiences for the Archives of Appalachia at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City.
The Center for Appalachian Studies and Services, which includes the Archives of Appalachia, will collect materials during the duration of the COVID-19 crisis and permanently house them within the center, a repository for rare manuscripts, books, photographs and audio and video recordings documenting life in southern Appalachia.
"Our project, 'Telling Your Story: Documenting COVID-19 in East Tennessee,' will chronicle how the people of our region journeyed through these unprecedented times," said Dr. Jeremy Smith, director of the Archives of Appalachia. "We want to hear from our community how they spent their days, how their lives, families and businesses were affected and how they experienced loss and hardship, as well as how they stood in solidarity and the lessons they learned.
"We are living through a transformational experience," said Smith, adding that the effort will "document everyday life during this time."
The project is meant to encompass the entirety of East Tennessee, not just the immediate area around the campus.
"Yes, by all means, we will welcome submissions from the Chattanooga/Hamilton County community," said Joseph E. Smith in ETSU's Office of University Relations.
Jeremy Smith said interested people are invited to share materials such as diaries, writings, photographs, videos, social-media posts and business correspondences that represent their experience during this time.
Future historians will want to know what it was like to live through this crisis, the director said. Participants can document their answers to such questions as: How did we spend our days? How was our family, our life, our work or business affected? How did we experience the hardship and the loss, but also the connection, solidarity, creativity and resilience that are marking this moment? What did we (as individuals or as a society) learn from this?
Archivists are not concerned about proper grammar, spelling or writing style, nor should participants worry about using fancy video editing software or professional equipment.
"Just share your experience in a way that's meaningful for you," said instructions online. "History will thank you for it."
More information about the project, including a submission form, is available at https://www.etsu.edu/cas/cass/archives/covid19story.php. Questions about the project can be directed to archives@etsu.edu or 423-439-4338.