The Putnam County Historian’s Office is seeking the public’s help to chronicle the extraordinary conditions we have lived through during the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents are asked to think back on the past year when they may have experienced COVID-19 testing, quarantine, school closings, and shortages in the stores. Can you tell a story about how the pandemic affected your job or business? Did you experience sicknesses or, under the most tragic circumstances, lose a loved one to COVID-19? Everyone’s story is vitally important.
An online form has been created on the Historian’s website for contributions of personal stories, photographs, or images of artifacts that reflect the individual’s response to this crisis. Contributions will help document 2020-2021 and be considered for inclusion in the Historian’s Collection at the Putnam County Archives.
"Everyone has a story to tell about living through this pandemic," says County Executive MaryEllen Odell. "The past year was so shocking, with unimaginable events unfolding almost minute-by-minute, that it's already hard to remember some of the details of what our days were like. If we don't write it down now, there's a good chance we won't remember at all, and that would be a tragedy. We need to remember this and learn from it."
The online form can be found on the Historian’s website www.putnamcountyny.gov/countyhistorian. For those unable to submit online, oral history recordings may be arranged by contacting the Historian’s Office.
For further information or questions, please call 845-808-1420 or email historian@putnamcountyny.gov.