The Archive
Photos and captions submitted to Dr. Katherine Jewell with the message below by the Fitchburg State University community.
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Documenting Learning and Living During the Pandemic: Fitchburg State University Covid-19 Digital Photograph Collection
We are only just beginning to consider the changes that the Covid-19 pandemic wrought on the process of learning, teaching, and living as Fitchburg State University college students, professors, staff, administrators, and community members.
In a joint project between the Department of Economics, History, and Political Science, the Student Government Association, and the Amelia Gallucci-Cirio Library and University Archives and Special Collections, we are documenting and archiving the Fitchburg State community's lives during the pandemic.
New barriers to archiving history have emerged in the digital era. Traditionally, archives have housed physical texts and documents to record historical events. But with the advent of smartphones and internet-connected computers, key documents that capture the experience of the pandemic reside on digital devices, on proprietary software, social media, or the "cloud." Recording community history requires a creative response to ensure inclusive and comprehensive archiving.
In this project, we seek photograph submissions that capture experiences of learning and living during the pandemic for members of the Fitchburg State community, broadly defined. Submissions could be digital photographs of any subject related to living or learning during the pandemic, as well as screenshots or downloads of social media posts or text messages, or captured text or images. Files need to be in an image format or PDF. Videos are also allowed, but please keep them short (under five minutes). Submissions will be housed in the Fitchburg State University Archives and Special Collections. We plan to create a public exhibit to enable community conversations and reflections about the experience of the pandemic, as well as to expand collection further, including an oral history and archiving project to be conducted during Spring 2022.
The photographs need to be of your own creation, and thus you hold the rights to the document as your own intellectual property, to be shared with Fitchburg State. All submissions will be licensed under Creative Commons license rules (see below).
If you have additional documents or wish to tell your Covid-19 pandemic story, please contact Katherine Jewell at kjewell1@fitchburgstate.edu.
"Start of the Pandemic"
Pre-pandemic to March 2020
I didn't know it at the time, but the first photo was taken just minutes before I would leave my office for the last time for several months. I gave birth about 24 hours later and I was out on maternity leave when everything shut down.
Submitted by Jen Abbot
The second photo was the first day that I returned to campus in August 2020. Having become a first-time parent only three weeks prior to the first lockdown, I cannot separate my pandemic experience from my parenting experience; that day in August 2020 was the first time I was away from my daughter for more than an hour. My entire life transformed; I was not the same person in that first photo.
Submitted by Jen Abbot
This was the first time I had seen any of my colleagues in person in almost six months. I ran into Sean Goodlett, Karen Valeri, and Dan Sarefield outside of Miller Hall before the start of classes. We remained socially distant and masked, and I remember being so giddy to see people in real life after such a long time.
Submitted by Katherine Jewell
It shows a dark casted shadow of an athlete representing all the athletes unable to shine on the field and demonstrate their skills. The dark cold lonesome atmosphere of the pandemic not allowing athletes to play and do what they love to do.
Submitted by Zac Cormier
"College From Your Living Room"
March 2020 - May 2020
Beauty is my reading partner therapy dog who was a daily feature of campus life in the McKay complex with both college students and children. The enforced lock down was a difficult adjustment for all concerned and she, as well as students, frequently requested zoom call contact.
Submitted by Joann Nichols
In Spring 2021, several departments and individuals, spearheaded by the General Education Program, came together to develop programming and resources around the four Wellness Days that were implemented to replace the canceled Spring Break. This photo is of the final meeting of the group for the semester.
Submitted by Kisha Tracy
Martial arts are my stress relief. When COVID hit, we could not, of course, have in person classes. My instructors moved our classes online to keep up with our training.
Submitted by Kisha Tracy
Submitted by Kisha Tracy
We Shall Overcome - Jonathan Harvey.mp4Virtually-compiled performance of the traditional protest song "We Shall Overcome," performed by members of the Fitchburg State Concert Choir in fall 2020. (Ben Cezair-Thompson, Ashley Conrad, Kat Doyle, DJ Hankins, Juan Hoggins De La Cruz, Sean Sanguinet, Genesis Toledo)
Submitted by Jonathan Harvey
This photo captures me in a state that I feel the pandemic sidelined, one of non-COVID related grief.
Submitted by Bennett Moseley
This photograph captures two essential moments of being student being COVID-19. First and foremost, all work was done remotely and as asynchronous assignments. Additionally, the feeling of being burnt out and overwhelmed is highlighted in this media caption from the date it was received. My experience, alongside peers that I spoke with regarding the photograph, were tired of the educational experience that we had been thrust into.
Submitted by Kerry McManus
In Spring of 2020, the Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society hosted a virtual induction. This felt like a kind gesture but an underwhelming experience in comparison to what had been originally planned. Typically, this ceremony would include a meal, a certificate, and the ability to bring loved ones to share in the sense of achievement for high-performing students. This photograph highlights the online format that was provided with a presentation to all members and a brief moment of recognition that occurred alone in my kitchen during the COVID-19 crisis.
Submitted by Kerry McManus
This photograph captures the chaos that COVID-19 brought on for essential workers in the hospital setting. It demonstrates how deeply this virus impacted the healthcare world, forcing healthcare workers to don full PPE with two face masks, a face shield and multiple gowns per shift. This photo demonstrates the long, strenuous shifts. This photo shows exhaustion.
Submitted by Leah Sheehan
A typical remote meeting for FSU's Chess Club. This image shows us playing a 4 person match.
Submitted by Ben Levy
This. photo is from the week after the two week spring break 2020 in which FSU decided to keep us online. This picture was taken before my first ever Student Government meeting online as the treasurer of SGA (hence the money tie). This meeting was also during budget hearings in which SGA was approving clubs and Organizations budgets recommended by the SGA treasurer (me) and the Finance committee Little did I know, SGA would spend the next year holding online meetings via Google Meets.
Submitted by Joseph Cautela III
Nearly throughout the entire duration of the pandemic, while in indoor spaces we were required to wear masks. This included trips to school, work, the store, and in my experience sometimes the homes of extended family members. Although I prefer disposable masks because they are more sanitary, they weren't always available in the early part of the pandemic. Luckily for us, independent artists and craftspeople on websites like Etsy made cloth masks with fabric and sold them online. I purchased this mask from one of those local artists in Florida, pictured here. One good thing to come out of cloth mask wearing was that it was a new, additional way to express yourself. For me personally, I grew up in southwestern Florida and a way I could express myself and show pride in where I grew up was by wearing the colors of my favorite sports teams. Because it was baseball season, I started with my favorite baseball team, and wore this several times around campus and even once at a Red Sox game when I went to root for my team!
Submitted by Tyler Longe-McCann
Here I was, with a home-made mask (my mother-in-law made the mask) to protect me from the covid virus. On my head is a headset microphone, which I then tucked under the corner of my mask (I had to wear a microphone because I was teaching in a very large room to maximize social distancing and to prevent me from having to yell, which would only help COVID spread if I were infectious). And hanging from a strap around my shoulders is the speaker of the microphone (you can see it as the black box hanging off my side at my hip). It felt a bit surreal- trying to go back to normal (teaching) but also having to add all of these extra things (mask, microphone, etc.) because we weren't in a "normal" time.
Submitted by Daniel Welsh
This photo was taken on the first day of classes in the Fall 2020 semester. It was posted on social media with the caption "First day of classes fall 2020...masks on...check, windows open...check, positive attitudes...check."
Submitted by Monica M. Maldari
Students masked up for in-class activities in ENGL 2200 British Literature I in Fall 2021.
Submitted by Kisha Tracy
In 2020, some of us did our best to teach provide "normal" in-person instruction within the limits of Covid restrictions. Outdoor labs provided a bit more normalcy than teaching inside, which required 6-foot separation and reduced class sizes.
But we taught half of the lab group at a time in this hybrid model, which meant half were doing something online at the same time. This hybrid approach created a lot of extra work (i.e., double teaching), and reduced teaching effectiveness because it was hard for students to bounce back and forth from on-line to in person, depending on the week.
Finally, notice how every student is wearing a mask outside. This was early in the pandemic, when we did not understand transmission very well, and no one was yet vaccinated.
Submitted by Chris Picone
This captures the vigilance of our professor Dr. Yu during the pandemic, teaching in person.
Submitted by Marcus Perla
These photos captured my two cats sitting in on me attending an online class and doing my homework. It shows how pets can be a distraction when trying to get work done when at home. In one of the pictures my cat Sushi refused to leave from sitting in between my arms.
Submitted by Lindsay McDonald
The photograph shows the University's attempt to capture experiences in a so-called "wall of fame," where photographs of students, faculty, and staff were displayed adjacent to statements that both sought to motivate and normalize the experiences we were all having. At the center of this photograph is Dr. Sean C. Goodlett, professor of early modern European history, teaching his capstone senior seminar students.
Submitted by Sean C. Goodlett
This photo was used for an Instagram post to my @professorsylvia account. The text of the post read: "When I started this account at the beginning of the year, I had lots of ideas for visual content from campus that I was planning to include. After we shifted online, I used this account for sharing information, but then took a break for the summer. All of my classes are going to be online for the fall as well! So, I'm going to be updated this account to document that process, even though the visuals are going to be much different than I had hoped when I started the account. What you're seeing today is my newly arranged home office. It includes dual screens, a ring light, and USB microphone for producing better videos for my online classes. Last week I recorded the videos for my graduate class Data & Analytics, which I will be teaching for the first time in the fall."
"The Essentials"
March 2020 - August 2020
The picture depicts the door to enter the Veteran Center located in room 116 of Thompson Hall. This picture was taken the week of Veterans Day, which was observed on November 11th, 2020. In celebration of this, balloons were placed outside, as well as inside by myself and my wife Madison. The veteran student work-study members were holding a promotion where any veteran student could come and receive a meal voucher for a free meal at the dining hall any day that week. This was a promotion to thank veterans for their service, as well as help bring awareness to this space, which at the time was an underutilized study and lounge area dedicated to veteran students. Only two veterans showed up to claim a voucher.
Submitted by Tyler Longe-McCann
I took this photo in June 2020 when faculty were being allowed into academic buildings in limited numbers - and only after making an appointment with university police - in order to maintain social distancing rules of the time. Being inside a building that is normally bustling with activity, but which is instead dead silent, was unsettling. Indeed, the building had been empty - and locked - since the Spring Break when we all left thinking that we’d be returning in a week or two. So it was doubly unnerving in June to walk past offices still decorated for St. Patrick’s Day, or sporting various remnants of the time before we were faced with the true size and scope of the pandemic. One such reminder was this quote, written on the whiteboard of an office near mine. Probably intended as a humorous observation about life in general, it took on new meaning in that time as the pandemic was unfolding around the globe and we were faced with a number of frightening new non-temporary realities. Today, seeing the picture anew, I perceive an additional layer of meaning in this image. After all, in June 2020 I still recall feeling a sense of hope that many of the changes we’d seen might indeed be temporary, and that we could someday return to the way things used to be. But now - from a late 2021 perspective - that seems less and less likely, and instead I am wondering about what our new normal will look like. But, at the same time, the quote reminds us that it is in our nature to soldier on through adversity, and adapt to situations that we once hoped might go away, but have instead become permanent parts of our experience. Hopefully this image helps us all see a bit of humor - and promote a bit of resilience - in difficult times.
Submitted by Zachary Miner
In April of 2020, our department asked faculty and staff to submit images of our new "co-workers" -- the family members or pets who were now at home with us as we taught online. This photograph was captured by my wife, Lea Shell, and features me with my two daughters, Athena and Cora, who were also learning from home.
Submitted by J.J. Sylvia IV
In April of 2020, masks were not widely available. My wife, Lea Shell began sewing cloth masks and mailing them for free to anyone who requested one. I also began to 3D print and offer mask buckles to anyone in need. The buckles could make masks more comfortable when wearing for an extended period of time. In addition to the social media post above, the offer was made to everyone in my classes and the Communications Media department. We created and shipped hundreds of masks and buckles during the spring.
Submitted by J.J. Sylvia IV
"Extracurriculars"
August 2020 - May 2021
This is myself pitching for Becker Baseball during the spring of last year. We were all required to still wear masks indoors/outdoors while playing games and even at practice.
Submitted by David Piela
Mask Protocol During the Pandemic as an athlete
Submitted by Dana Cisowski
During a time of isolation when classes went online and venues closed, by wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart and rehearsing outdoors, the orchestra members (students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members) were able to connect by playing music together in a beautiful setting with the background sounds of a babbling brook and birds chirping.
Submitted by Hildur Schilling
This is the flyer of the Constitution Day 2021 event "COVID-19: the Constitution and Beyond."
Submitted by Kisha Tracy
This was a selfie in Dr. T mask after presenting for the first time to a group of students (Orientation Leaders on the new General Education Program) in person after over a year.
Submitted by Kisha Tracy
In Spring 2021, several departments and individuals, spearheaded by the General Education Program, came together to develop programming and resources around the four Wellness Days that were implemented to replace the canceled Spring Break. This is the logo and motto of the Personal Wellness Campaign.
Submitted by Kisha Tracy
Two Fitchburg State Moot Court teams after qualifying for the American Moot Court Association National Championship Tournament.
Submitted by Paul Weizer
The reality and loss of a woman of color nagivating the uncertainty of COVID-19. The continous aftermath of COVID being more than a public health crisis. The disproportionate affect on single parenthood; the realization and self- evoke of aspiration that comes from the adversity and the desire for more.
Submitted by Elyzabeth Frontaan
I took this image from the podium at commencement. Students and families were spaced, walking across the stage every 10-minutes. There was no audience. This particular student, whose name I do not know, walked across the stage with what I believe was her daughter, a moment that seemed extra special for the graduate. My job was to read graduate names as they approached the stage.
Submitted by Randy Howe
I asked Sherry to take this picture with my phone during a break from reading the names of graduates at the Spring graduation ceremony. I wanted a picture of me (Randy Howe) behind the plexiglass as the circumstance was so unusual. I recall feeling very safe in this box. I peaked around the glass from time to time to ensure that I had heard the pronunciation of each student name correctly (we were all wearing masks; I only took it off for this photo). I was completely caught up in the moment, which was most emotional for the students in attendance, and everyone else associated with the event. I also found it comical. Standing behind the glass, I felt like the fortune teller Zoltar from the movie Big.
Submitted by Randy Howe
This was a student organized unity rally supported by Fitchburg State. Due to the event of summer 2020 with Black Lives Matter (BLM), students wanted to come together in support of BLM and put together a rally. At the rally, students and facility gave speeches about Black Lives Matter, personal experiences of racism and the universities commitment to diversity equity and inclusion. The pictures were taken throughout the rally. The individuals wearing the black t-shirts with green letters were organizers or volunteers for the event.
Submitted by Joseph Cautela
Wearing masks while playing a softball game.
Submitted by Dana Cisowski
This photo represents our time in Sigma navigating COVID restrictions while still trying to create a meaningful experience as new members.
Submitted by Maggie Lashua
Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) meeting for the first time after returning to in-person meetings despite the COVID Pandemic.
Submitted by Allison Turner
My teammates and I with masks and face shields in order to take a bus to our away game in the Spring 2021 season.
Submitted by Mary Kate Moreau
"Endemic"
June 2021 - Present
This photo is a selfie of myself and other Senior Resident Assistants during summer training. At the time of this selfie, mask were no longer required at Fitchburg State university. However, only a week later after this photo was taken, Fitchburg State reimplemented the mandatory mask policy due to new covid variants.
Submitted By Joseph Cautela III
Two people who helped run Falcon Feud, Vershita Patel and Matthew Messina, take a picture after the event.
Submitted by Matthew Messina
Gay-Straight Alliance celebrates Homecoming and the start of LGBTQ+ history month.
Submitted by Allison Turner
Outdoor Ecology labs provided a chance for students to take their masks off in 2021. We understood that the virus was unlikely to be transmitted outside, and most of us were vaccinated. Notice the joy in student faces!
One student retains a mask in one image. We had driven in a college van to get to this site, and masks were required in the van. He probably retained his mask out of caution and habit, but also this photo was taken a week after the Omicron variant emerged, so a few more precautions seemed warranted.
Submitted by Chris Picone
This is interesting to compare to the images from fall of 2020. No one is wearing a mask outside. Outdoor labs like this provided a welcome respite from wearing masks inside all the time. We could see each others' faces while in "class" for the first time.
Submitted by Chris Picone
The obligatory selfie celebrating getting the first vaccine shot.
Submitted by Kisha Tracy
This photograph captures an individual uncomfortably receiving her third dose (booster) of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccination at a Walmart Pharmacy.
Submitted by Abigail Tramonte
This image documents two healthcare workers smiling after a long day of wearing PPE while swabbing patients for COVID-19
Submitted by Tatiana Quijada Lemus
My 4 friends and I wait for the train during Labor Day weekend.
Submitted by Matthew Messina
final-61b0c7ab60d61-81431727 - Sydney Kinz.mp4This video captures us singing with a mask on. The choir had to adapt on different techniques to get the best sound because of the mask.
Submitted by Sydney Kinz
The Gay-Straight Alliance takes a club picture after their meeting.
Submitted by Matthew Messina
These photos were taken throughout homecoming. This was the first homecoming event since pre-pandemic. The homecoming football game score was Bridgewater State 42- Fitchburg State 0. Although the football team came up short, I won $500 in a football throwing contest during the haft time show. In addition, FSU hosted a large scale carnival in the Ross parking lot with rides, carnival games and a lot of free food.
Submitted by Joesph Cautela III
What you are seeing is dancers dancing with a mask. You are unable to tell if they are happy or sad. And what you can not hear are the heavy breaths and inhalers backstage from people struggling to catch their breath with surgical face masks on their face.
Submitted by Sydney Kinz
This photo is a selfie of myself working in Hammond as a Building Manager. The importance of this photo is that it was taken the first day of mask-flexible environment. The explanation of this police is as followed from the email sent from the Presidents office titled "Update to COVID Protocols" on March 15th, 2022. "Given the new state and federal guidance, the local and regional trends, and feedback from campus constituencies, as of Monday, March 21, indoor masking will be required only in classrooms, laboratories, the library, and on shuttle buses (per federal and state guidance). Masking will otherwise be an individual decision on campus regardless of vaccination status."
Submitted by Joseph Cautela III
An FSU student stares at the artwork in Hammond Hall.
Submitted by Matthew Messina
These pictures were submitted by Matthew Messina during a film class at Fitchburg State.
Painters and paintings at Paint and Sip.
Submitted by Ben Hill