History Now: Galveston and the COVID-19 Pandemic

En español

History begins with you!

Our grandchildren and great-grandchildren will one day ask how we responded to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. They will look for letters, diaries, photographs, posters, and other items that shed light on how the pandemic affected our lives.

The Rosenberg Library’s Special Collections Department welcomes Galvestonians to contribute to the historical record today.

Questions? Email us at gthc@rosenberg-library.org or leave a voicemail at (409) 763-8854 x126 if you have any questions.

Why tell your story?

In 1900, an eight-year-old girl named Sarah Littlejohn wrote a letter describing her experiences of the horrific hurricane that struck Galveston that year. Her letter remains one of the library’s most treasured items. Many historians and researchers use her letter to learn about the Storm of 1900’s impact.

We ask you to send us such a letter or diary entry describing how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted your life.

You may also send us poems, songs, or artwork that you have created or photographs that you have taken. Here are some questions to keep in mind:

• How and when did you learn about the coronavirus?
• How and when did the pandemic first affect your life? How did your daily routines change? Did you miss out on any big events?
• What emotions did you feel? What things scared you? What things brought you comfort?
• How was your school or job affected? Did you have the opportunity to study or work from home? How did you manage during these uncertain times?
• How did the pandemic affect your neighbors? How did the pandemic affect religious or civic groups that count you as a member?

We welcome submissions from people of all ages and backgrounds. Tell us your story if you are a doctor, a restaurant server, a student, a retiree, or come from any other walk of life.

We encourage you to share basic biographical information such as name, age, and background but we will also respect privacy concerns that are expressed to us. This is an ongoing project. Feel free to submit items today or months from now after you have reflected upon your experiences.

Please follow all local, state, and federal guidelines regarding the pandemic and do not do anything that risks infection.

Photos and other file attachments can be emailed to gthc@rosenberg-library.org. Email us or leave a voicemail at (409) 763-8854 x126 if you have any questions.