The Western Development Museum is asking residents to send in pictures of themselves or their surroundings - like this one, submitted by Lloydminster’s Natasha Dewing - to document the COVID-19 pandemic. (submitted photo/Natasha Dewing)

By Martin Martinson

Documenting the times

Local museum requesting public’s assistance to archive COVID-19

Apr 27, 2020 | 2:56 PM

The global COVID-19 pandemic has affected everything from daily life and business in the local community, to activities, sports and entertainment across the globe.

That is why the Western Development Museum across Saskatchewan, is making sure to document the moment for historical records.

Manager of the Western Development Museum (WDM) in North Battleford, Joyce Smith said it is crucial to document these times for the future generations.

“It is incredibly important,” she said. “This [event] is unprecedented. In our history this is something totally new that society is dealing with right now and we have to document it, otherwise everything is lost.”

The museum, itself, has seen a number of changes to daily operations since the pandemic began. In addition to closing the establishment to the public, administrators have also encouraged staff members to work from home.

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Smith said she is pleased with the early contributions from people submitting their pictures to the online website. She said the community support during these trying times can bring hope, while serving as a reminder that we are all in this together.

“It has been excellent,” Smith said. “We encourage people to go on to our website and see what we are doing, [because] it really gives you a sense of community. Other people are living through this, other people are putting their pictures up and there are so many ways that we can show what is happening.”

“Not all of our artifacts, and not all of our stories have to be physical artifacts,” she added. “It’s not all something you have to touch. Pictures are also a great way of sharing information.”

Those wishing to contribute pictures to document their time in isolation, or to learn more, click here.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1