The Lanterman House Archives, which preserves the history of the Crescenta/Cañada Valley, is inviting local residents to share their experiences living through the current COVID-19 pandemic in a new digital archival collection titled Documenting COVID-19 in the Crescenta/Cañada Valley.
“By sharing your stories of how you and your family are experiencing the current ‘new normal’ you can help future generations understand the reality of what life was like during this remarkable time in our history,” said Julie Yamashita, Lanterman House archivist, who launched the project. “These accounts will be an important record for the future.”
Residents can submit their stories through an online form, accessible via the website, www.lantermanhouse.org. There are two forms – one for adults and one for schoolchildren – each consisting of about 15 questions pertinent to documenting and understanding how the virus has impacted local life. Residents can choose to answer the questions in as much detail as they like. The forms can be accessed from a PC, laptop, cellphone or tablet.
Once a resident completes the form and clicks the “submit” button, a copy of their answers is sent to the Lanterman House. Residents can also submit artwork, photos or other media to the collection by emailing lantermanhouse@gmail.com. Yamashita is planning to create a digital collection of all the stories and hopes one day to mount an exhibition presenting these stories.
“I think we all realize that this is a unique moment in time,” said Laura Verlaque, director of the Lanterman Historical Museum Foundation. “Many organizations throughout the country are doing their best to document the experience. We felt the need at the Lanterman House to ensure our community’s voice is preserved.”