The American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress is partnering with StoryCorps to collect stories about the COVID-19 pandemic. The multiyear initiative will document, archive, and make accessible Americans’ experiences with COVID-19, to strengthen understanding of American life during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Center is especially interested in collecting stories from workers at the frontlines of COVID-19 care (medical professionals, emergency service workers, and others).
This initiative is part of the COVID-19 American History Project, a Congressionally funded program to record and preserve American experiences with COVID-19. CLICK HERE learn more about the Project.
All COVID-19 American History Project Interviews
Friends and former colleagues Beatriz Dietrick (40) and Megan Sarnecki (50) remember working in Unalaska, Alaska during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, Beatriz was a family nurse practitioner and Megan served as a family medicine physician as well as...
Colleagues William "Bill" Kays (55) and Natasha Pineda (46) reflect on their roles during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in Anchorage, from the arrival of evacuees from Wuhan to local responses, personal challenges, and moments of resilience. Their...
Colleagues Nolan Klouda (41) and Gretchen Fauske (44) have a conversation about the pandemic and their work at the University of Alaska Center for Economic Development.
Colleagues Dr. Coleman Cutchins (48) and Dr. Joseph "Joe" McLaughlin (54) meet at the Anchorage Public Library and reflect on their experience leading the COVID-19 Pandemic response in Alaska.
Derek McGarrigan (45), and his wife Kristy McGarrigan (44), share their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic from their home in Ketchikan, Alaska, discussing how the crisis disrupted their baseball-focused family life, changed policing protocols, affected their church community, and ultimately...
David Kiffer (66) and Janalee Minnich Gage (59) have a conversation about how the COVID-19 pandemic affected Ketchikan, Alaska. They discuss serving on city council at the time and dedicating their careers to public service.
![JD [No Name Given] and Jonathan Zelinger](https://archive.storycorps.org/uploads/2025/06/6851946c60f73__ddc002684_g1-450x450.jpg)
JD (35) has a conversation with StoryCorps facilitator Jonathan Zelinger (28) about her experiences doing violence prevention and response work during the pandemic.
Erich Scheunemann (54) has a conversation with StoryCorps facilitator Alan Jinich (25) about his pandemic experience and role as Deputy Chief for the Anchorage Fire Department.
Husband and wife Geoff Jans (43) and Jessica "Jess" Jans (42) discuss their COVID-19 pandemic experience. They share insight on their decision to move from Coeur D'Alene, Idaho to Ketchikan, Alaska to open a hydroponic farm.
Colleagues and friends Elizabeth Nelson (66) and Amanda Glanzer (45) have a conversation about their community theater First City Players and how they adapted to the pandemic.
Rebekka Esbjornson (38) and her husband Jeffery Karlson (36) have a conversation about the pandemic, how it impacted their business, and the tourism industry in Ketchikan, Alaska.
Colleagues Heidi Hedberg (49) and Emily Ricci (42) have a conversation about Alaska's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and their respective roles and experiences working in state government. Heidi was Director of Public Health in Alaska and Emily was Chief...
Colleagues Stephanie Rose (62) and Rebecca "Becky" Parker (74) meet at the Anchorage Public Library to talk about their experience during COVID and their effort to manage the Anchorage Senior Activity Center.
Friends Britteny Howell (43) and John Laurance (40) have a conversation about the pandemic, how their work changed, and the future of public health. During the COVID-19 pandemic Britteny was an Associate Professor at the University of Alaska researching gerontology...
Significant others Christopher Morse (49) and Lisa Bricker (47) tell stories from the pandemic including how they met, adapted at work, and navigated their careers. Christopher drove for Uber and started his online degree to become a teacher and Lisa...
Coworkers Christopher Hieb (53) and Karen Gray (58) have a conversation about the COVID-19 pandemic and how it affected their work at the Alaska State Archives in Juneau, Alaska.
Colleagues Ellen Hodges (50) and Brian Lefferts (45) remember responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, as healthcare workers, in rural western Alaska. They recount moments of solidarity and teamwork, consider the cultural ramifications of social distancing protocol, and discuss the logistics...