The Cass County Libraries and Healthy Cass County are teaming up to ask the county to help write history. “Living History: Cass County and COVID-19” is a project to ask residents in Cass County communities to take a moment to reflect on their experiences during this time.

“Living History: Cass County and COVID-19” aims to capture personal accounts from people in Cass County about what they are experiencing, thinking, and feeling during this global pandemic. Atlantic Librarian Michelle Andersen says “We are excited to see what people will share about this time.” Massena Librarian Jennifer Erickson says “We want to get people of all ages participating in this project.”

Cass County residents are asked to share memories via written accounts, photos, or drawings. Entries can be mailed, dropped off, or emailed to any Cass County library, or to Cass County Wellness Coordinator Brigham Hoegh at bhoegh@iastate.edu or 805 W. 10th Street, Atlantic IA 50022. Officials say they hope that this project will not only lead to an important and interesting record of Cass County history, but also create a space where community members learn about and better understand each other’s experiences.

Additionally, it is hoped the project gives those who participate an opportunity to process and share feelings about their experience. Entries will be shared on a blog page managed by the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce found at https://www.atlanticiowa.com/, and through local news stations. The project team also hopes to print memory books to be kept in each Cass County library.

Not sure what to include in your entry? Here are a few prompts to get you thinking:

• Describe your experience living during the COVID-19 pandemic: what changes have you experienced?
• What are you missing?
• What seems most important to you now?
• What is something that brings you joy?
• Is there something you thought you would miss but now can live without?
• How are you coping?
• What fears do you have (if any)?
• How do you feel about the situation?
• What hopes do you have for the future?
• How is the COVID-19 pandemic similar or different to events you’ve experienced in the past?
• What has COVID-19 made you wonder about?
• What else should others to remember about this time?

The project committee will be accepting entries through the end of October. They ask for assistance in making sure everyone in the county is invited to participate. For more information on local wellness events or resources, follow Healthy Cass County on Facebook @HealthyCassCounty.