Your Story Matters

Thank you for participating in Your Story Matters. If you’re not sure where to start or want more information about the project, you can read more and see some examples on our project page.

How do I submit my story?

Step 1 - Tell us who you are and what you feel comfortable sharing

First name:

Last name:

What city or neighborhood of Southern California do you live in or identify with?

How would you describe your submission?

I am age 18 or older and am submitting materials that I created myself

I am a parent or guardian submitting materials created by someone under the age of 18.

Child or children’s name(s) and age(s) (we ask for this so we can give them credit for their work)

Name(Age). Please separate each child using a comma - John Smith (12), Jane Smith(8)

May we use your name?

Yes

NHMLAC can use my name in association with the story and files I am submitting.

I prefer to be anonymous. Don’t use my name when you use my story.

Email address:

If you want updates on the project or any followup on your submission, including an acknowledgement that we received it, you must enter an email address. We will only use your address to contact you about this project.

STEP 2 - WHAT TYPE OF STORY DO YOU HAVE TO SUBMIT?

We recognize that there are different ways in which we express ourselves and have provided you with the ability to upload a document, photo, artwork, video, and/or audio files. You are not limited to submitting only a written story, image, or video file. For example, you can submit an image that complements your poem or a written story along with your video file.

I HAVE A WRITTEN STORY

We welcome short stories, essays, poems, journal entries, etc. on all matters related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the protests for justice.

Type your story into the text box or upload your file below. If you’re having trouble getting started, take a look at some of our sample questions and submissions.

Upload document

One file only.
3 MB limit.
Allowed types: txt, rtf, pdf, doc, docx, odt, ppt, pptx, odp, xls, xlsx, ods.

For a file that exceeds the file-size limit, add a link below for us to download your written story.

For tech support, email yourstory@nhm.org

MY STORY IS A DIGITAL PHOTO, IMAGE, OR ARTWORK

If your story is expressed through photography, artwork, or photos, upload up to three files below. We also welcome images or photos that illustrate or support your written story.

Image Upload

Maximum 3 files.
5 MB limit.
Allowed types: gif, jpg, png, svg, jpeg, heic.

For image, photo, or artwork files that exceed the file-size limit, add a link below for us to download your story.

If you’re comfortable doing so, tell us about your photo or image. Where and when did you take it or create it, and why is it part of the story you want to share?

For tech support, email yourstory@nhm.org

MY STORY IS AN VIDEO/AUDIO FILE

Recording your experience at a protest for justice, interviewing family members on their experience, entertaining yourself at home, or cooking meals with family are some of the ways you can provide powerful visuals of your experience. Submit your video or audio file below.

One file only.
20 MB limit.
Allowed types: avi, mov, mp4, ogg, wav, webm, mp3.

For video or audio files that exceed the file-size limit, add a link below for us to download your story.

If you’re comfortable doing so, tell us about your audio or video recording. Where and when did you take it or create it, and why is it part of the story you want to share?

For tech support, email yourstory@nhm.org

I HAVE AN OBJECT/MATERIALS TO SUBMIT

If you are interested in donating a physical object or materials to NHMLAC, such as photos, protest signs, hard-copy journals, drawings, objects, or artifacts, check the box below and a staff member will contact you to discuss what you have. (You must provide an email address above, in STEP 1.)

Yes, please contact me. I have an object/materials to submit.

STEP 3 - OTHER INFORMATION AND PERMISSIONS:

* By submitting my story (or my child's) and its associated elements, including but not limited to photographs and videos (collectively referred to as Submitted Material), I acknowledge and agree that my Submitted Material may, at the discretion of NHMLAC, become part of the museum collection, and I further agree that any Submitted Material may be used or reproduced by NHMLAC for any museum purpose in formats that may differ from the original submittal, including but not limited to education, publication, commercial and promotional uses, and being made available to the public.

I understand that NHMLAC will remove content that it considers duplicative, inappropriate, or outside the scope of this project. The NHMLAC History Department is not obligated to include your content in this project or preserve it in perpetuity.

For technical support, or if you have questions or comments about the project, please send us an email at yourstory@nhm.org

The Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County thanks you for your participation in Your Story Matters