Certain photographs capture important moments in time with such power and emotion that they become icons of their era. Consider pictures made in New York on 911, shots of school children sheltering under their desks during the cold war, or U.S. Marines raising the flag over Iwo Jima during World War II.
But the millions of ordinary photographs taken every day by ordinary also document history as it’s happening. And right now, we are all part of a new story that includes a global pandemic, moments of anxiety and moments of joy.
Observing social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, Oliver Thorkelson, 6 (foreground), and Harper Thorkelson, 8, get their first look at their new cousin, Crosby Hamilton, 21 days. The image of Crosby's grandmother Kim Gevik is reflected in the glass. Crosby and first-time mom Erin Hamilton were discharged from Sanford Hospital's NICU just two hours earlier. (March 30, 2020, Sioux Falls. Photo courtesy: Kristen Thorkelson.)
The South Dakota State archives is setting out on a project to collect some of the photos and other artifacts of the times we’re in right now. DOCUMENTING COVID-19 IN SOUTH DAKOTA.
"We are in the midst of an historic moment as the world responds to COVID-19, and we need your help to document the pandemic here in South Dakota. We want to add your stories to the archives so that future generations can understand what this experience was like. How are you and your family understanding and experiencing the pandemic?" - From the South Dakota State Archives Web site.
Learn more. Listen to an interview with Chelle Somsen, South Dakota State Archivist, on SDPB Radio's "In The Moment" with Lori Walsh.
Get more information about the project and share your stories at: https://history.sd.gov/archives/covid19.aspx
