Collecting History Initiative

How will history books talk about this unique time we are all living through? We have an opportunity and obligation to record our experiences to help future generations understand not only what was going on in the United States or Illinois, but right here in DeKalb County during these unique times.

The History Center in partnership with 20 plus history organizations are keepers of DeKalb County’s history. We are all committed to collecting and preserving archival materials, photos, artifacts, and books for future generations. These amazing groups have documented floods, tornadoes, shooting, and fires – all of which provide a context to our current situation with COVID-19, and more importantly that we will persevere.

There is not a part of our daily life that has not changed since mid-March of 2020. The History Center needs your help. We need you to record meaningful, factual, and personal stories to document this time in our history. Your experiences whether through the eyes of a child, a high school senior, first responder, grocery store worker, or small business owner are all important. This is something everyone can contribute to – it is crowd sourcing, but with stories. The History Center has set up a special email address for people to submit their stories that can be told through writing, poetry, art, music photography (if you have an object – please email us details). To participate simply email: Mystorycovid19@dekalbcountyhistory.org.

Send any questions to info@dekalbcountyhistory.org.