If you could deliver a note to your family, friends or neighbors, what would it say? What would you like to tell your city? Dear Tacoma is that note, that connection.
Not sure where to start? Here are some prompts to get you thinking:
The thing I miss most is...
I’ve been spending my time…
The lockdown makes me feel…
I still feel connected because…
My loneliest moment happened…
I love Tacoma because…
When this is over I will…
Not into typing? Here are three other ways you can contribute.
1. Mail a letter.
You can mail us letters, photographs, collages, recipes, poetry, or anything that fits in an envelope. Mail to:
Tacoma Library - Dear Tacoma Project
1102 Tacoma Ave S.
Tacoma, WA 98402
Any material submitted via mail will become the property of Grit City Magazine and Tacoma Public Library, and will be used at their discretion. Items will not be returned.
2. Get on the phone.
If you would prefer to share your experience verbally you can record a voicemail by calling: (253) 292-2001 x1605
All content becomes part of the Northwest Room’s collection and permission is given for public use, research, display, exhibit, and publication. Donors retain rights to use, distribute, and/or donate digital materials elsewhere.
You must be 18 years of age or older to submit content. If you are under 18, please ask a parent or guardian to submit content on your behalf.
3. Audio or Video Record.
Use your phone to interview your friends and family! (Please be sure to practice social distancing when interacting with anyone you don’t live with.)
Start by asking the person being interviewed to state their name, age, and zip code. Then capture them telling their story on their own, or ask them some questions and record their answers.
No one is too young or too old to be the interviewer or the interviewee!
Here are some questions you might consider asking:
What was most difficult about being in Tacoma during the stay-at-home order and why?
Was being in Tacoma during the pandemic different than you imagined it would be?
For future generations: is there any wisdom you’d want to pass on to them?
What would you want them to know about the pandemic?
What did you do to fight boredom during the stay-at-home order?
Has living through this pandemic changed your life? If so, how?
What memory sticks out in your head most about the pandemic? Why do you think that made such an impression on you?
Do you think experiencing this pandemic in Tacoma was different from
experiencing it elsewhere? If so, in what ways?
Digital files can be submitted to this project here.
Any material submitted via mail will not be returned.
All content becomes part of the Northwest Room’s collection and permission is given for public use, research, display, exhibit, and publication. Donors retain rights to use, distribute, and/or donate digital materials elsewhere.
You must be 18 years of age or older to submit content. If you are under 18, please ask a parent or guardian to submit content on your behalf.