Documenting the times 

With restaurants closed for dining, homemade signs in the window let you know about takeout and delivery options at Tributary Food Hall. Captured on Friday, March 20, 2020.

I need your help. As curator, I collect and document life in Golden, Colorado. Among other things, you might call me an information broker. I need to be a trusted generalist on all things Golden–the good, the bad, and the ugly. Often, I learn from you, the community.  

The permanent museum collection documents a wide range of people, places, things, and events. That includes unpleasant things too, like World Wars, the Depression, diseases and natural disasters. The point being that the museum is here to record the community’s collective memories and, hopefully, make them relevant to you today and for future generations tomorrow. 

Is this noteworthy?

These are historic times and I’d say the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) crisis is a noteworthy event to document with factual and personal stories. What do you think? Museums story-tell through objects, so what would tell this story well? When others look back from the future what will be important to remember? What would you collect to document during this time? Below are a few responses so far.

Golden responds

Stay calm, stay safe, stay clean with hand sanitizer from Taspen’s Organics. Captured on March 18, 2020.

• Karlyn in City of Golden Communications shared dozens of photos taken March 18, 2020, showing the impact on downtown businesses. 
• Carla suggested the Jefferson County Public Heath Order, along with an N95 mask, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and takeout menus.
• Gail thinks we need personal stories recording direct experience and feelings from community leaders, families working from home, business owners, and the like. She’s advocating for audio and video. 
• Barb offered to get us a handmade mask from a friend who’s producing them at home.

Please share your comments below. Also, feel free to put items aside or send me personal accounts in written form or via video. 

–Mark Dodge, Curator

This article also appeared in the May 2020 issue of the Golden Informer.