Coronavirus: The News and Portsmouth Museum team up to preserve your stories

The museum and its collections have long told the story of the city and its people and since 1877 many of Portsmouth’s greatest events have been reported by The News.

Two of the city’s most iconic institutions now want to ensure one of the biggest events in the city’s social history is captured for posterity.

Editor of The News Mark Waldron said: ‘It is our day job to record what happens in and around Portsmouth but this year has been so out of the ordinary that it is almost hard to comprehend.

‘We think it’s vital to ensure the city’s reaction and response to the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic are captured and put on record.

‘The scale of 2020’s events means that it’s absolutely right that the city’s museum is involved - and we are delighted to be able to help tell people’s stories.’

This is part of a project Portsmouth City Council launched in May through its museums and archives teams.

Cllr Steve Pitt, the council’s cabinet member for culture, leisure and economic development, said: ‘I am delighted The News is supporting this project and helping our museums and archives reach as many people as possible.

‘The pandemic has hit the world but we want to show how Portsmouth responded to it.

‘We’ve been through a lot and there are so many stories of how individuals, groups, communities and the city as whole have done amazing things, we want to make sure all of this is available for people to see now and in the future.’

SEE ALSO: Slight increase in Covid-19 related deaths in Hampshire care homes

Everyone in the city has been affected by the pandemic. Whether you’ve had the virus, are a key worker, are still working from home or returning to the workplace, were home schooling, just about to come out of shielding, or found new ways to pass the time during lockdown, we want to collect your stories.

We are particularly interested to hear from people about how communities were brought together with socially distanced street parties to celebrate VE Day, supporting vulnerable residents or the weekly Clap for Your Carers.

You may have captured photographs of returning wildlife during lockdown or the crystal-clear sea free from pollution.

Maybe you’re keeping a diary or have taken up a new hobby?

You might have started a support group or put a rainbow in your window?

Whatever your experience now’s the time to tell your story.

The museum would also like to collect any objects or documents which will help to visualise our experience for future generations. A selection of these will be exhibited in the museum and will feature in special publications published by The News in print and at portsmouth.co.uk.

If you want to tell your story, send photographs, pictures, copies of documents, video and audio files by email to [email protected]

Get in touch via email and they will arrange to collect it when it’s safe to do so.