Leaving Our Fingerprints On History

Survey

Help make history by sharing your story of the COVID-19 pandemic. Just as we relied on information about the Spanish Flu epidemic in 1917-1918 to inform our response to COVID-19, future generations may benefit from understanding what we experienced. By collecting your stories, we become witnesses-to-history, providing insight into daily life during this global pandemic and adding to the historic record.

How can you get involved? Please take some time to fill out this form — and feel free to share with your friends, family members, and neighbors — the more people participate, the better understanding we’ll have of the impact of COVID-19.

Particpate in the survey here.

About

How do we create community during a public health pandemic? That’s the question that prompted our Leaving Our Fingerprints on History project in April 2020. As the United States began what would become an extended battle with COVID-19, people were urged to practice social distancing, only leaving the house for essential work and/or supplies. The crisis ushered in a new way of living, working, and relating to each other. While there was lots of information on the news and social media, we wanted to create a people’s history of the pandemic, with people telling their stories of the impact of COVID-19.

What began as a small project snowballed as the pandemic continued to rage across the country, and around the world. We intended for this to capture the stories of the four counties served by the Southern Adirondack Library System: Hamilton, Saratoga, Warren, and Washington. Instead, we heard from people from across the country, and distant continents – including England and India. Each response to our questions was an intimate glimpse into people’s lives, reflecting their hopes, fears, small triumphs, and devastating losses.

As the months wear on, we continue to collect stories, showing the range of who we are, how we’re coping, and what we’ve learned as we’ve slowed down, taken notice, and reflected on what matters to us. Thanks to everyone who has shared their story, creating a shared, personal history of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thank You

This project would not have been possible without the hard work, huge brains, vision, endless talent, and good humor of the merriest band of librarians anyone could hope to work with. A huge thanks to Erica Freudenberger & Jack Scott of the Southern Adirondack Library System, Lorie Wies & Jasmin Gage from the Saratoga Springs Public Library, Michelle Isopo from the Schuylerville Public Library, Anja Bouchard from the Clinton Essex Franklin Library System, Jenny Shonk from Finger Lakes Library System, Matt Corey & Paulette Roes from the North Country Library System, and LJ Martin from The Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System for their unwavering dedication and commitment to Leaving Our Fingerprints on History.

We’ve been fortunate to have some tremendous community partners, that have helped spread the word about this project. A huge thanks to the Waterford Historical Museum and Cultural Center for their good will, support, and encouragement along the way.

What brings this project to life are the stories shared by hundreds of people from all walks of life. To date, our youngest participant is 3, and our oldest is enjoying their ninth decade. Thank you for telling your story, and making our history.

Thank You

Your Response has been recorded.

Thank you for your thoughts and for leaving your fingerprint. To Visit the Archival Webpage click here https://fingerprints.sals.edu/

Contact

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Elements

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