Residents are being asked to submit their memories and pictures of time spent in self-isolation for an archive being created by Hull History Centre.
The initiative, in partnership with Heritage Learning, has been inspired by a Second World War project that recorded Hull children’s experiences of the Blitz.
In 1941, Hull school children aged 10 to 14 were asked to write essays about living through the aerial bombing of the city.
Each essay was titled “What happened to me and what I did in the air raids”.
Inspired by a collection of children’s essays from WW2 @Hullhistorynews wants to capture experiences of #livingthroughlockdown Have you been writing, making art, taking photographs? We’d love to see and collect what you’ve been doing. Visit https://t.co/wiXLJYcayy for ideas pic.twitter.com/sn1kQOnete
— Heritage Learning (@HeritageLearn) May 12, 2020
Many have been preserved and still survive today, with some now held in the archives at the Hull History Centre. The air raid essays provide a rare child’s eye view of life in Hull during a traumatic time in our history.
Now Hull History Centre is collecting records of children’s and family experiences of life under self-isolation. These records will be held in the city’s archives so that future generations can understand what it was like during the coronavirus pandemic.
Councillor Marjorie Brabazon, chair of Hull Culture and Leisure, said: “These are without doubt difficult and extraordinary times, but such experiences can also bring out the best in people.
“In years to come this archive will allow us to look back and remember how people came together during the coronavirus pandemic to protect and support our families and communities.”
Martin Taylor, city archivist, said: “The archive of air raid essays is an important insight into the personal accounts of children during the Second World War.
“During the coronavirus pandemic we are also living through extraordinary times. By collecting memories and literature from this moment we can help future generations learn what life was like in 2020.”
Children and families in Hull who are keeping a diary, taking photographs or making drawings are encouraged to send Heritage Learning their writing, pictures or drawings by email to heritagelearning@hcandl.co.uk or by direct message to Heritage Learning on Twitter.
Copies of submissions will be kept safe in the city’s archives at Hull History Centre.
