HPL Seeking Contributions to Hamilton COVID-19 Archive

HAMILTON, ON – June 19, 2020 – Hamilton Public Library’s Local History & Archives is creating a community archive to document our experiences during the pandemic.

WHAT: Send HPL your digital contributions of stories, photos, poems, art or anything else that represents your life in isolation. We all have a story to share about how this worldwide pandemic affected us. Collecting these experiences ensures future generations understand all aspects of the health crisis.

WHO: Hamiltonians of all ages are welcome to add their experiences and memories.

WHEN: The COVID-19 Archive launches today, Friday June 19.

WHERE: Visit Hamilton Public Library’s COVID-19 Archives webpage for more details and how to submit your contribution.

“The COVID-19 pandemic impacted all Hamilton residents, in so many ways — our health care, our schools, our workplaces, our community and family lives. Tell us and show us what your time looked and felt like,” says Paul Takala, Chief Librarian, Hamilton Public Library. “It’s only through history that we learn for the future.”

“The COVID-19 virus quickly brought the world to a halt for many – including Hamilton – starting with the province-wide shutdown in mid-March. Share how it affected you. Give future generations a clear understanding of this time,” adds Karen Milligan, manager of HPL’s Local History & Archives.

About the COVID-19 Archive
The COVID Archive ties with the Love Your City, Share Your Stories project. From a rich and robust history, to a wonderfully diverse community, everyone has a story. Love Your City, Share Your Stories is an ongoing digital project featuring stories about Hamilton and Hamiltonians – both past and present. When it started in 2015, it focused on four well-known cultural icons: music, libraries, Gore Park (fountain) and Tim Horton’s (coffee and donuts). Since then it has expanded to include stories about immigration and water. Now, we are adding your experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many stories include images from Hamilton Public Library’s and McMaster University Library’s archival collections, as well as video and audio. We hope you share your story with us.

Love Your City, Share Your Stories is generously supported by the Hamilton Future Fund. Project partners include the City of Hamilton Culture Department, Hamilton Public Library and McMaster University Library.