Naper Settlement Seeks Coronavirus Stories, Journals

NAPERVILLE, IL — We are living in an unprecedented time with the new coronavirus outbreak and Naper Settlement wants to document it. They are encouraging residents to send stories about their experience to "capture their daily life as they adapt to the new demands and stresses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic," according to a press release.

In a statement, Naper Settlement’s Vice President and Chief Program Officer Donna Sack said, "For museums like Naper Settlement, interpreting both in the moment and taking the long view is essential. Museums serve as community anchors, and history museums, especially, serve as repositories and mirrors for all. By adding to our collections now, we can share what Napervillians are going through right now and preserve critical history for decades to come."

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Residents who are interested in sharing their stories can head to the Naper Settlement website to find tips on how to journal. The website features a moving journal from Naperville resident Merle Clarke, who documented what her life was like during the influenza outbreak of 1918.

The journaling project is part of Naper Settlement's larger Naperville 2020: Pandemic Collecting Initiative, which kicked off in March. Residents can also donate "[a]rtifacts like signs, photographs and door and window decals, and other things" to the initiative at a later date "once it i safe to do so."

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Latest Naperville Coronavirus Update