Westerville COVID-19 Memory Project

Capture this unique moment in history for future generations by sharing your COVID-19 pandemic experience with us.

The Westerville History Center & Museum provides access to the past through historical collections and learning experiences that deepen our understanding of our community and its place in the world. Everything we know about the past comes from the surviving records of people just like you, and your contributions will help future generations and historians make sense of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Westerville’s reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic bears some resemblance to the 1918 flu pandemic, but this is unlike anything Americans living today have ever experienced. Although we don’t know what they are yet, the pandemic will have long-term consequences for Westerville, the state of Ohio, and the country.

Thank you for helping us preserve COVID-19’s legacy for the Westerville community.

FAQs

What should I submit?

You can share your experiences with us by sharing:

Written stories, memories, thoughts, or observations
Journals and letters
Photographs, drawings, and artwork
Video or audio recordings
Objects or photographs of objects

I'm not sure where to start. Any ideas?

Here are some questions to consider:

What does your daily schedule look like? How has it changed from before the pandemic?
How has COVID-19 affected your job? Your school? Your place of worship? Any organizations that you belong to?
Are you still going shopping? What is it like when you go out to get groceries or run other errands?
How are you communicating with friends, family, and coworkers?
How has COVID-19 affect relationships with friends and family?
How do you feel? Do you have any worries, concerns, or inspirational stories?
What are some of the challenges you have faced?
Have you or anyone you know gotten sick? How have you/they responded to the illness?
What is your opinion of how local, state, and federal governments are handling the pandemic?
How have you responded to government & health officials’ orders to quarantine & “flatten the curve”?
How are you getting your news? What is media coverage of the pandemic like?
How do you view the future in light of COVID-19?

How will you use what I share?

The materials obtained will be added to the Westerville History Center & Museum archives and be available for research by future historians and the public.