Items

• 
  2021-02-23

  Community quilts will commemorate stories of the COVID-19 pandemic

  The Cameron Art Museum and the Advocacy Project have teamed up to display quilts made by people around the world. These quilts depict the struggles their makers have faced during COVID-19. The museum is encouraging families to make their own COVID-19 quilt squares and return them to the museum. Returned squares will be made into a quilt that will be displayed at the museum for a limited time.
• 
  2020-11-05

  Echoing Empty Galleries

  This photo, taken at the Detroit Institute of Art, is a glimpse of the drastically different pandemic-era museum experience. Upon entrance to the museum, guests are masked, tickets are bought online, temperatures are checked, and then one can wander the silent, empty galleries. Diego Rivera’s monumental Detroit Industry Murals are even more awe-inspiring when drifting around the cavernous hall distraction-free, with only sentinel machines keeping one company. Presently, Rivera’s personal history of political conflict and pandemic-related loss ring especially true. Although museum visits have adapted, one can still experience a powerful connection to art, in a new, maybe even improved way.
• 
  2021-02-09

  Artists Reimagine How Covid-19 Will Shape the Art World

  In a time when people can't go to museums or concert halls, arts and musicians are improvising. Many are taking part in digital exhibitions and performances. Others are embracing the practice of street art, it always artists to continue creating art and have more exposure to the general population.
• 2021-02-02

  Silences in Archives, Some Hopeful Musings

  Gaps seem to be just about the only commonality among all public, digital, and academic history projects. One project simply cannot look at everything, nor should it. But this does not mean that each of these gaps should be considered silences. Silences in the archives are more specific. And they are typically the result of silences in the historical archives, left by those collecting the material or creating the documents. Silences can also appear naturally, for example, those who are either unaware of the Journal of the Plague Year, do not have the technical knowledge or infrastructure to access to it, are unaware that they are encouraged to participate, or who do not believe that the COVID19 pandemic is "real." In the present, they represent people who cannot or will not enter their stories into the archives. When large numbers of people in those groups do not contribute, that creates silences for the historians and humanists who will use the archive in the future to attempt to make arguments about 2020, and seemingly, 2021. The archive structure does not exclude these voices by design, but the tangible and intangible realities of the world that it is born into and built in does. And they are hard to account for, even in the most thoughtfully constructed projects and archives. Attempting to correct these silences by making entries on behalf of those perceived as "the silenced" does not always close the gap and sometimes actually silences them in favor of another's narrative. One exception might be that a tech-novice writes a story on paper, and a family member posts a photo of the paper with a verbatim transcription to the archive, listing the original author as its creator. Or assists with an audio recording as a piece of oral history and shares it. But to write stories about another, as another, seems disingenuous to the spirit of the project. Hopefully, if in 50 years the JOTPY is still a two-way street where material can be discovered as well as entered, historians, genealogists, and other humanists will scan, add, and upload the digital and analog records and accounts they find in their work, so that in 100 years historians have fewer silences to contend with. This future, of course, is reliant on sustainability, usually grounded in funding for digital projects and reliant on humanists interested in running it. Many digital public history projects are defunct online due to lack of sustainability and compatibility, and those recorded voices become lost, silencing and re-silencing them over again.
• 2021-01-24

  Common Symptoms of Both COVID-19 Vaccines

  Many people are concerned with the symptoms that come with the vaccines and if they differ depending on which vaccine. Some of the common symptoms of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are: i. injection site pain ii. tiredness iii. headache iv. muscle pain v. chills vi. joint pain vii. fever viii. injection site redness or swelling ix. nausea x. feeling unwell xi. swollen lymph nodes. Bibliography: “Highlighted Infectious Diseases for Arizona.” n.d. Arizona Department of Health Services. az.gov. Accessed January 24, 2021. https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/infectious-disease-epidemiology/index.php?utm_source=google_grant&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=covid19&utm_term=covid#novel-coronavirus-faqs. CDC. 2020. “Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 11, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/how-they-work.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fvaccines%2Fabout-vaccines%2Fhow-they-work.html.
• 
  2020-12-19

  Naked Face

  I started a new job in late June while much of the country was still on lockdown. Most of my coworkers were working remotely and those of us on-site strictly adhered to our face-covering policy. We slowly allowed staff, volunteers, and lastly, visitors on the property. A training program was developed for staff to guide visitor interaction, particularly concerning policy enforcement. In the photograph, Peter, our Artist-in-Residence is demonstrating a hand gesture we use when asking people to cover their face. There are multiple levels of strangeness associated with this photo, but the strangest of all is not knowing what my coworkers look like "naked," a term we appropriated to mean mask-less.
• 
  2020-12-08

  Final Paper for H396

  For the past five months, I have interned with A Journal of the Plague Year to help curate submissions from the year 2020. I have learned a lot about the collecting process and am excited to have been a part of such a great project!
• 
  2020-06-07

  Family Day Activity

  This comes from the #WendeOnline programming that started at the beginning of COVID-19. One facet of #WendeOnline is a monthly family day. They hosted a family day in pre-COVID times so this is an example of a direct translation from in-person to online programming. For June, the Wende collaborated with ESMoA to provide instructions on how to create a board game. The activity was called PLAY X GAMES X ART and encouraged families to design a game of their own based on household objects. They also provide a template in the pdf attachment that is based on historical games. While building a board game aligns more with the mission of ESMoA, it does loosely apply to the mission of the Wende. In my opinion, it is more important that the activity is collaborative and engaging than it directly relating to the subject matter of the museum. This event is different from most of the family day activities in the fact that it does not have an obvious link to history. Despite this, I think it is a unique way to engage with “visitors.” After making the game, families can continue to play it for a long span of time. Even once they’re done with the official family day activity, the experience can last longer. This is a great example of building a community within a household and between museums. This is important to me because this was a museum I went to in pre-COVID times and it is nice to see they are still building community.
• 
  2020-06-09

  The Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles Create Puzzles for the People

  At the beginning of June, MOCA updated its online store to include items relevant to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. I have several screenshots of different puzzles, masks, books, etc. but I thought this one was particularly interesting. In the articles I’ve read about museums creating an effective online presence, the main idea is providing the user an opportunity to engage in a transaction. Here MOCA is giving the user an opportunity to buy a puzzle from them and also engage with their focus on contemporary art. While doing the puzzle, the purchaser will be thinking about MOCA, even on some kind of subconscious level. In a sense this helps to build community and, in the future, will serve as a token of the time spent in quarantine. One day the puzzle will serve as an artifact. To state the obvious, selling puzzles is relevant because at the beginning of quarantine this was an activity a lot of people did. I think for a small time was difficult to get your hands on a puzzle. MOCA is not only providing an online user with the opportunity to engage in a transaction, but it is a relevant transaction. This demonstrates MOCA’s ability to effectively adapt to the changing social landscape. My submission is important to me because in pre-COVID times I loved going to the museum and I think it's great to see how they're still trying to build community.
• 
  2020-09-24

  Christopher: Find the things that gives you peace

  Christopher is the administrative aid at the African American Museum of Nassau County. He works with museum director, Joysetta Pearse, to promote understanding and appreciation of African American culture, art and tradition through education, interpretation, exhibitions, collections and programs for the enrichment of the public. Chris discusses his work, as well as how we hopes to come out stronger, on the other side of COVID. He also discusses the loss of his uncle and getting a diagnosis of his own during COVID.
• 2020

  COVID-19 Memory Archival Project

  This is a project that aims to collect as many personal stories as they can. Through archiving the pandemic, they want to assess the impact of COVID-19 on people.
• 
  2020-11-19

  The Museum of Fine Arts during the Pandemic

  The Museum of Fine Arts here in Boston is the 17th largest museum in the entire world and attracts over a million visitors a year, but for most of 2020 it was closed to the public. Then in September, the museum reopened and instituted health and safety measures such as validating tickets outside of the building to ensure symptomatic people don’t enter. The museum also added timed entry, meaning that visitors were restricted to a certain time to ensure that the museum doesn’t become overcrowded and meets certain state guidelines. This has resulted in visitors being forced to wait for people to leave before entering, resulting in long lines outside in the Boston cold. This all being said, the biggest difference that the MFA experienced is that from March 12th all the way to September 23rd the museum was closed. Before Covid-19 if you heard that a business was closing for that long you might assume that they won’t reopen, but in 2020 this was par for the course for countless businesses. Overall, the MFA is world famous and when Covid-19 hit, the museum had to take unprecedented measures to ensure the safety of 1.2 million visitors.
• 
  11/17/2020

  Luis Cortez Interview

  Luis "Louie" Cortez is an employee of St. Mary's University and in this quick oral history he gives us an insight into how life changed for him while working through a pandemic.
• 
  2020-11-20

  Circulation Changes

  COVID-19 brought on many changes to the St. Mary's University campus, including the second floor of the Louis J. Blume Library. These changes included the plexiglass pictured and hand sanitizer for the student workers to use when performing duties. Masks are required at all times in the library and the plexiglass is used as an extra safety precaution for both staff and patrons. Temperatures are taken before being allowed into the library and there is also plexiglass located at that entrance.
• 
  2020-11-16

  Modification to Library

  One of the busiest areas on campus is the Blume Library, particularly the Cotrell Learning Commons which is where the campus Starbucks is located. Changes were made to library operations in March and that included how the public would enter and exit the building. In order to limit the number of patrons inside the building, a walk-up window was added to accommodate those wanting to enter just to get Starbucks.
• 
  2020-03-25

  Online Museum

  This is one of the unique ways that Museums are engaging with at distance learning, integrating VR technology.
• 
  2020-11-06

  #ElectionDay Encouragement

  Honestly, the timing of this year’s election is maddening. Plague, social movement, and constant controversy is really overwhelming. No one, at least in my generation, has dealt with such a conglomerate of crises. I’m encouraged to see posts such as this from a community focused institution. No matter what we chose on election day, our community leaders are pointing to what is important and beneficial to each other and our nation: voting.
• 
  2020-11-06

  Museums, Challenging Heritage and Social Media During COVID-19

  Abstract by Cassandra Kist: “In this opinion piece I reflect upon museum social media trends during COVID-19 and consider what it could mean in terms of future online engagement and the (mis)alignment of practices with institutional social missions. In opposition to the recent focus on uplifting museum content and activities online, I investigate an overlooked question regarding the role of challenging heritage on social media during the pandemic. I end with a call for the sector to consider the complexities of including or excluding challenging heritage from current museum online activities and in turn, the opening or foreclosure of critical reflections at a pivotal time in history.”
• 
  2020-11-06

  Museum Infographics for Awareness

  Though created in 2018, the American Alliance of Museums created multiple infographics on the economic activity and contribution of museums in several states. I have been searching for multiple ways to bring awareness to preserving museums in the midst of the major pandemic and infographics are very informative and provide information in an organized and enjoyable way!
• 
  2020-11-06

  Efficient Website Designs for Museums

  With the majority of interpersonal connections being translated into online sources, museums have had the hardest time adapting to an online format without losing their community/audience and assimilating into one of many different information websites. I discovered this article while doing research on the impact of COVID-19 on museums. Part of the difficulty in translating your audience to an online format is simply the appeal of the website itself. Giving museums and their communities tools to progress safely into the future is helping at the source, and things such as website creation is necessary for advancement, and for many museums, survival
• 
  2020-06-25

  Seniors Embrace the Arts During Quarantine

  These images are so visually striking and uplifting. A lot of diversity is represented in the group as well. The seniors used their creativity and their imagination to take part in the challenge. These photos were taken at the Amenida Seniors Community in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. Perhaps other museums can follow suit and issue “museum challenges” to ease the stress of Covid-19.
• 
  2020-03-20

  Artis-Naples Social Media Post

  Instagram post by the Artis-Naples. The photograph is their sign that reads “May memories of this season’s iconic moments help you through this difficult time. Be well!” The Artis-Naples is home to the Naples Philharmonic and The Baker Museum. The post itself announces that they will be taking time on their Instagram account to go through the memories of the season’s moments. There is a link to their website regarding COVID-19.
• 
  2020-04-02

  Collier County Announcement: "Safer At Home" Order

  Collier County Manager Leo Ochs, Jr. sent out an email discussing the “Safer At Home” order issued by Governor DeSantis. He explains government work is considered essential, and the county has taken measures to protect employees from exposure, such as moving as many public services as possible online. This order includes the closure of the Collier County Museum.
• 
  2020-05-06

  Collier County Museum Email - Action Required: High-risk category/need to WFH notification

  Email from the Director of the Collier County Museum, Amanda Townsend, to staff regarding potential museum reopening and Work from Home procedures. The first email in the chain is from the Collier County Manager, Leo Ochs.
• 
  2020-11-02

  IMAG History & Science Center COVID-19 Changes

  Fort Myers IMAG History & Science Center new hours and exhibit closure web page for COVID-19. There are new hours, groups must register at least a week in advance, and there are exhibits that are remaining closed until further notice.
• 
  2020

  Jewish Melbourne: Jewish Museum of Australia's emails about online events

  With the Covid lockdown in Melbourne, the Jewish Museum of Australia had to close its doors to visitors. In response, they moved activities online, organising events to be held virtually. These events were shared with members of the Museum community through their email list.
• 
  2020-10-30

  Artful Practices for Wellbeing

  I found this post while doing research on museums and their pathing through the plague year. Here’s one of many examples where museums continue to produce new content for the public to aid in the routines of life.
• 
  2020-10-30

  Building True, Lasting Collaborations with Source Communities

  This is an excellent online article I found while exploring the American Alliance of Museums website. It discusses the development of American museums by focusing their efforts on community-expertise to curate their items in the midst of a pandemic.
• 
  2020-10-30

  Keeping Constant Connection

  Museums have suffered in a very unique way during the Covid-19 pandemic. Without the primary form of interaction with society, in-person, museums are forced to translate their material online where chances are high they become just another online source or library. The Institute of Museum Ethics goes beyond its name in its content. Almost like a social media website for museums, the IME posts the latest stories and news regarding all things artifacts, donations, and media coverage on museum developments; a really great tool for any researcher and a pleasant read for anyone who takes an interest in preserving the present and appreciating the old.
• 
  2020-10-14

  COVID Closure Collections Reward

  Award given to me and my supervisor from the manager of the Museum of the Everglades that recognizes our effort entering 6,000 items into our collections system while we were working from home. While the museum shut down in-office operations the collections team (my supervisor and me) were able to utilize our time at home skillfully to enter 6,000 records. This item memorializes the hard-work our collections staff puts in every day, even amid a frightening pandemic.
• 
  2020-10-23

  Sign Outside Collier County Museum Requiring Face Mask

  This is the sign the Collier County Museum at the Government Center put on the front window when it was announced by the Board of County Commissioners that masks are required within all public buildings. The sign was posted right after the museum resumed in-building operations and was enacted along with more rigid sanitation and cleansing procedures.
• 
  2020-09-15T16:35

  COVID-19’s Impact on Collier County Museum Projects

  This is an article written by the Naples Daily News discussing the budget issues that Collier County’s museum system is facing due to COVID-19. Since the museum system is primarily funded through the tourism tax, the funding has plummeted about $300,000 due to the pandemic. Steve Carnell, the director of the public services department, said that the museums have taken the hardest hit - the operating budget had to be reduced by a whole quarter ($464,000). Because of this, a lot of the planned growth of the museum has been put on hold until funding can be secured. The article includes even more information on how operations in the five museums have transformed due to COVID-19.
• 
  2020-07-19

  Cultural Institutions and COVID-19: Anonymous Survey

  These two documents contain the responses to the Cultural Institutions and COVID-19: Anonymous Survey. This survey was undertaken with the support and assistance of Juilee Decker, at A Journal of the Plague Year, in order to capture the experiences of those working in museums and other cultural institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to a combination of furloughs and layoffs as a direct result of COVID-19 lockdowns, and conversations around racial justice in the light of this year’s Black Lives Matter protests, museums and other cultural institutions have been facing an unprecedented reckoning, in terms of workers’ rights and racial justice. This survey asked individuals how this year’s events have impacted them, as well as their perceptions of the cultural sector, focusing specifically on those issues of workers’ rights and racial justice. All responses were collected through the Cultural Institutions and COVID-19: Anonymous Survey website (https://covidmuseumsanonymous.wordpress.com/), between July and October, 2020. This website was further advertised through an Instagram account, found here: https://www.instagram.com/covidmuseumsanonymous/ . The survey had 107 respondents, with 97 giving permission to have their responses published publicly.
• 
  2020

  Inside and Outside, At Home, Spring 2020 Semester, Brooklyn

  This submission interweaves the personal and professional experiences of an associate professor in the Brooklyn College Library with references to events happening in the larger society during the months of the COVID-19 pandemic through early October 2020.
• 
  2020-10-22

  Museum Awareness and COVID-19

  I have been recently researching digital archives and their effective helpfulness in the midst of crises and pandemics, such as COVID-19. While discovering new sources for research, I came upon a community that is treasured by society yet sufferers immeasurable when neglected, museums. From what I have put together in following archives and museums, there is a difference and the difference is impactful: People interact with archives while museums interact with people. Archives can be easily engaged through any format and do not struggle to adapt to a rapidly evolving society. Museums and their charm center on one core energy source, in-person engagement, interaction, and display. Museums attempting to permanently shift to online have the risk of fading into another informational website (Advertising is a dense fog). The attraction is the ability for people to see artifacts and art in person. I personally love museums and I know that without them, history seems to lose some of its luster as well. I found this website, American Alliance of Museums: COVID-19 Resources and Information for the Museum Field, while searching through museum resources and listening to museum and art directors discussing the future of their work. It is a tool for anyone from a visitor to a museum director in staying connected to updates on openings and closures as well as how museums are encouraged to keep up with their audiences. Though a permanent solution isn’t found to the situation or even COVID-19 for that matter, I have found that the need to keep moving forward is not just surviving, but living. This resource created by AAM might be the catalyst for museums to evolve into online forms successfully; that would be joyful news in difficult times. I have saved this link to a web page saver, Wayback Machine, so it can be accessed at any time even if the page is removed or recreated. Thanks for reading!
• 
  2020-10-20

  An Unexpected Visit by the Wienermobile

  After 7+ months of isolation and with our museum closed to the public for most of this year, my coworker and I - archivists at the Arizona Historical Society in Tucson - were delighted to look out the library window and see the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile parked in front of the newly-opened hotel across the street. And to preface this story - this hotel just opened during a pandemic after construction delays all year, and working across the street we've been subjected to the horribly annoying sounds, smells, and dust of construction ALL DAY LONG for this entire year. But as soon as our last researchers left the museum, we raced outside to take pictures with some of the other museum staff. The amount that the unexpected visitor has made us laugh this week has really brought out how tough this year has been on us all mentally, so much so that the tiniest thing has made us smile more than we have in months (and despite the fact that we're all die-hard opponents of capitalism and I'm a vegetarian).
• 
  2020-03-24

  Shelter-in-Place University Email

  On March 23, 2020, Bexar County issued that there would be shelter-in-place ordnance effective at midnight on March 24th. The week leading up to this ordnance my supervisors and I began preparing to telework. This required adapting my workload to be performed remotely, and I would essentially have to re-learn the ordering process for items like eBooks. I work in the acquisitions department of the university’s library and since the semester was still going on it was essential that I continue to preform my duties in a timely manner. As a department we had to adapt our methods of communication, extend the amount of time allowed to preform duties, and do our best to maintain morale in an uncertain and often isolated environment. The purchasing of physical items for the library were put on hold and any pending orders would be received but remain unopened until staff was allowed to return.
• 
  2020-07-07

  Part of the blog that is used to teach on the impact of COVID-19 on energy use of Brooklyn College

  This blog is used as part of the class that learn how to calculate the impacts of students on the energy use and carbon footprints of Brooklyn College.
• 
  2020-10-13

  Finally moving to Phase 2

  Wenatchee has been in lockdown and stuck at phase 1.5 for months due to an inability to get the virus under control. We finally received word that we could move to phase two and reopen things like the museums and library in town, which have been closed for 7 months due to COVID. This reopening means that many public services like computer use at the library and wifi for those who do not have access to it at home will be open and able to be used by those that need it. It is an important to compare where we are at to other places that moved into new phases much quicker, some of which had spikes because of it. I personally have not been able to leave and have been stuck at my house for months. I used to go to the library three times a week for school and to get out of my house but with a pandemic, I have been spending more time inside. I do not feel comfortable enough to go to the library yet, but am excited that the option is now there. Back to normal is still not an option though, and I worry that this will cause more cases in my area. This whole experience has been eye opening for how much I did unplanned, now I have to plan everything I do so I can keep myself and my family safe.
• 
  2020-08-14

  Library Takeout Video

  A librarian at Duke University made a video outlining the steps for library takeout and it's amazing.
• 
  2020-10-08

  SF Public Library + SFMOMA giveaway

  SF Public Library has partnered with SFMOMA to provide free art kits at mobile library locations. I live in the city, and thought this was a neat way for the library to engage with people while their branches are closed.
• 
  2020-09-29

  Making the best...

  We are living in a world of crisis with COVID-19. trying to keep some type of normality for my daughter has been a little hard. Not being able to hang out with friends, not being able to go to the mall, amusement parks has been hard. Never the less I have found ways for her to have some type of normality (while practicing social distancing). We were able to travel to Arizona and visit family members, as well as visiting my parents in TX. While being there we were able to visit the NASA museum, Galveston Pier, and the zoo. We knew this school year would be different. Social isolation has impacted her in a good way let me explain. The last semester of 6th grade was not the best. She was dealing with a lot "teenage drama" which was affecting her school work. It was not her best semester but never the less she was able to get it together. As this new school year started she has been able to focus in her studies maintaining her grades up. I know its almost 3 months since school started but hey, I am optimistic.
• 
  2020-09-24

  Toning Down and Tuning In: Addressing Archival Silences of Covid-19 Community Curation Flier

  Flier for the first workshop in the JOTPY workshop series.
• 
  2020-03-30

  Covid Art: Quarantined Artists Inspired by the Coronavirus

  This article posted by Al Dia about Covid Art and a virtual museum in Barcelona, Spain, where a collection of covid art can be viewed. The collection consists of illustrations, photographs, paintings, drawings, animations, video, etc. According to the one of the publicists, these pieces of art reflect how we are all living and feeling during the pandemic. Art has always reflected what was going on during that time period. #covidart, #pandemic, #virtualmuseum, #quarantine, #Barcelona (HST580, Arizona State University)
• 
  2020-09-11

  Covid Inspired Fashion

  Photographed by Mary Ann Michna, artist Sarah Aziz visits New Harmony, Indiana to do a photoshoot in her COVID inspired fashion
• 
  2020-07

  Jewish Melbourne: Survivors in Isolation - A different isolation

  In July Elly Brooks - who is a photographer, member of the Board of the Jewish Holocaust Centre, and President of Friends of JHC - worked with the JHC to take photos of Holocaust survivors at their front doors. In line with Melbourne's lockdown procedures, the JHC was closed, and everyone was required to be at home, so these photos show the survivors as they stayed home to isolate. Elly Brooks reflected: "Holocaust Survivors and other elderly people are perhaps more impacted in this time of covid isolation than younger people as they are confined to their homes under the country’s partial lockdown and many find themselves far from their usual network of support. What shines through this series of images of Holocaust survivors in Melbourne is a strong spirit to overcome adversity, with an understanding that it is a temporary. Most of the survivors pictured, have been coming to the Jewish Holocaust Centre for many years, presenting their testimony to students and the general public and being connected to a community. In early March, when the pandemic was becoming an inevitable danger in Melbourne, the survivors were the first to be asked to stay home, away from the JHC. For some, the memories of our survivors are always there just below the surface and this enforced isolation makes our elderly feel vulnerable and threatens their independence. As a photographer, I wanted to capture the strength and dignity of survivors as they posed on their doorsteps of their homes during this lockdown.As a longtime friend to most of them, I have been missing them so it also gave me good reason to visit them and hear their wise words. For some the virus brought back memories: “that feeling of dread all the time. You never know if other people on the street are going to give you the virus, or they were going to turn you in to the Gestapo because you were a Jew.” Each survivor had their photo taken and they each contributed a reflection: Joe de Hann: I keep occupied by reading and cooking for myself. I have been alone a long time so I am used to being by myself but I miss the Holocaust Centre and the people Henry Buch: I feel unchallenged and lack motivation. My son visits but my daughter is in isolation. Jewish Care assists me but when you are isolated like this memories and worries come back Irma Hanner: “It’s not a war! “We are in a lucky country but even so we must be aware of and call out racism. The extremes of politics both right and left sides are bad. “I miss my work at The Jewish Holocaust Centre” Gisa Frayman: I am lucky that my children come to visit which means that I am not alone. We talk everyday on the phone and as long as they are well, they visit me John Lamovie: I have a large family and before this isolation they visited often but not now. That is the hardest for me at this time.Life during the pandemic ihas an unsettling resonance, especially the isolation from family members. Some of my family drive by to wave to me. A couple of family deaths were very hard to reconcile at this strange time of isolation. I attended a virtual funeral. Overall I feel lucky and nothing to complain about. Abe Goldberg: It’s not a war but it is very hard for me because my wife Cesia is in care and I cannot visit her. That is devastating for me not being allowed to visit her. We have been together so many years Sarah Saaroni: I’m perfectly fine and see my family from a distance. I am fully occupied and well looked after. Henri Korn: Life during the pandemic is unsettling especially the isolation from my friends and family. “It pains me that I cannot be with my family, with my friends,” Wolf Deane: We are happy to be living here and have our family close by. Joe Swarczberg: I miss The JHC, the students, staff and my friends. I used to go often and now I just stay at home. I hope I live long enough to see the new Centre. David Prince: I miss my work at The Holocaust Centre especially seeing the students. I am used to being independent and have friends and family nearby. It is an unsettling time and I hope we can go back to the way it was and I am around to see the new Centre. Viv Speigel: I miss going to The Centre but I am lucky to see my family from a distance and I have all that I need. Maria Lewitt: I am happy to be close to my family and well cared for. John Chaskiel: I am fine and my family visits from a distance. They come to my driveway but I miss The Holocaust Centre and the students. I hope I will see the new museum
• 
  2020-08-29T10

  Pandemic Birthday

  The 3 of us became friends (more like family) when we started working together in a cultural institution/museum space. We have been in constant communication with each other, sharing resources and joy. 2 of us have a birthday a few days apart so we decided to spend it together! This is our birthday vision boards and a photo of us,
• 
  2020-05-13

  Melbourne Jewish Book Week and COVID - 19, part 3

  MJBW shifted to regular online events that are now occurring on the second Tuesday of each Month
• 
  2020-03-18

  Melbourne Jewish Book Week and COVID - 19

  Melbourne Jewish Book Week was raring to go with its 2020 Festival, scheduled for 2-7 May. International and local writers were booked – more than 80 in total. Almost two years in the planning, the festival was going to include two full days of panels and workshops; opening and closing night galas; a performance at fortyfivedownstairs; a literary brunch with two leading writers from New York; and a keynote address. As coronavirus spread, and governments started imposing restrictions, including the closure of borders, we held several meetings and on 12 March we decided that a live festival was not in the interests of our supporters – and we pulled the plug, with tears and heartache. We were one of the first festivals to do so, but in the days and weeks that followed, no-one had any other option. We felt an obligation to our supporters, sponsors and writers to provide an alternative. We opted for regular on-line events using available technology, and decided not to commit to a live event until the heath risks were well and truly passed. Six months later, we are delighted and proud of what we have achieved in the CoVid world. Starting with no knowledge of the technology, we are now familiar with all aspects of Zoom. We have established the second Tuesday of the month as Melbourne Jewish Book Week evening. Our offerings (to March 2021) have been: • May 2020 Philippe Sands and Mark Baker • June 2020 David Isaacs and Elizabeth Finkel • June 2020 (extra) Colum McCann and Mark Baker • July 2020 Ben Lewi and Jan Epstein • August 2020 Juliet Rieden and Bram Presser • September 2020 Paul Valent and Rachel Kohn • October 2020 Shais Rishon (MaNishtana) and Claire Coleman – moderated by Isabelle Oderberg. • November 2020 Summer Reading Guide with Tali Lavi, Elissa Goldstein and Bram Presser • February 2020 Arnold Zable and Tali Levi • March 2020 Open mic
• 0020-08-27

  Back to School

  It's the book I started reading on the first day back to school