Lesson: Legacy of a Pandemic Journal/Photography Project
Topic: Local History, Museums & Storytelling
Sub-Topic: Reflecting on the COVD-19 Pandemic
Grades: 7-12

Preliminary Discussion: Why Your Story Matters

At the St. Catharines Museum, it is our job look at the current global pandemic with a historical lens. It is part of the mission of the St. Catharines Museum to collect and tell the collective story of our community. So, it is important that we collect and preserve the stories and experiences of the people in our community to document how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our lives. We collect stories now, to preserve them for future generations.

Your story gives us a unique perspective and understanding of our community. Your experiences, perspectives, thoughts, opinions, and reflections help us paint a more detailed picture of the St. Catharines community at this very specific moment in time.

Why do you think it’s important for museums to collect the stories of their communities?

Activity: Journal/ Photography Project

Your story matters. You have two options for recording your experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and to reflect on how it has impacted you, your family, and your community.

Journaling Project

In a journal or diary, record what your daily life has been like lately. How has the pandemic changed your daily routine, your work, and your relationships? What have your biggest take-aways been so far?

Keep a daily journal for the duration of your schooling during the pandemic.

Photography Project

Begin a photography project, documenting how your daily life has changed or how you are now seeing the world differently.

Take one or more photographs a day throughout your schooling during the pandemic. Put together a photo album or scrap and provide a caption for each image, describing why you took the photo and why it matters to you.

Wrap-up: Discussion & Reflection

So, how did you like the journaling/photography project? What did you learn about yourself while pursuing this project?

Why do you think it’s important to submit your work to the St. Catharines Museum’s Legacy of a Pandemic Project? Are there other kinds of records that you would like to submit to the Museum to help tell your story? What can future generations learn from your submissions?

Legacy of a Pandemic Project: Submissions

The St. Catharines Museum is collecting written and photographic records of St. Catharines residents documenting your experiences of the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The St. Catharines Museum encourages residents to submit original copies of your records for inclusion into the Museum Collection, and to scan/photocopy duplicates for your own keeping.

If you would like to submit your piece to our Legacy of a Pandemic Project, please contact Adrian Petry, Visitor Services Coordinator of the St. Catharines Museum & Welland Canals Centre. Email us at museum@stcatharines.ca

Please fill out the form below and send it along with your submission.