Illinois Communities Documenting Life During COVID-19

Empty restaurants, face masks at the grocery store, shouting to neighbors from a safe social distance — we’re living in strange times, and the Illinois State Museum wants your help documenting it. 

Erika Holst, the museum's curator of history, joined The 21st to talk about submissions so far, and how the museum hopes to preserve them for future generations. Galesburg photographer Ellen McDowell also joined the conversation to share how she's been documenting life in her community through a series of "porch portraits." Bob Myers from DeKalb County has also been chronicling life in his part of the state, capturing everything from empty church parking lots to hospital tents. 

Guests: Erika Holst, Curator of History, Illinois State Museum; Bob Myers, photographer from DeKalb County; Ellen McDowell, "Porch Portraits" photographer from Galesburg