Following key moments in history, one question is always asked, “Where were you when it happened?” In this current “moment” of the Coronavirus pandemic, the answer for nearly everyone will be “I was staying home.” The Upcountry History Museum-Furman University, a Smithsonian Affiliate, recognizes the significance of these unique times and has created the Collective Memory initiative to chronicle the many ways people are adjusting to this present situation.
As keepers of history, we know that we don’t get to choose the events that force change, but we do have the privilege of safeguarding the memories they create. That is the premise of our Collective Memory initiative. We invite members of the Upstate community to share stories and photographs of how they are working through these challenging times by linking to the site, http://www.upcountryhistory.org/exhibitions-events/collective-memory/.
Author and poet Oscar Wilde wrote, “Memory is the diary that we all carry about with us.” The Museum’s focus with this online “diary” is to ensure that this moment in the history of South Carolina’s Upcountry is told by members of our communities, remembered through their writings and images, and preserved for future generations.
“As the Upstate community responds to evolving changes as a result of COVID-19, we wish to document and preserve the stories and materials that demonstrate how our residents are continuing to communicate, work, learn, teach, create, pray, celebrate, mourn, and help others,” said Dana L. Thorpe, Museum CEO. “The collected stories and materials shared in our Collective Memory initiative will allow all of us to study and reflect on these unprecedented experiences in the future.”
In addition, though our doors are temporarily closed, we are holding true to our mission of connecting people, history and culture by making an array of learning resources accessible for teachers, caregivers, and students of all ages. Visit the website regularly for more content at http://www.upcountryhistory.org/.
For more information about the Collective Memory initiative or the remote learning resources, email us at info@upcountryhistory.org or call 864-325-9130.
