Your Story Matters

Your Story Matters Updated Header Video 200604

Your Story Matters

As the people and communities of Los Angeles navigate a historically challenging time, powerful movements are driving action to address and eradicate long-standing injustices, including stark disparities spotlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Stories and voices matter in this time of extraordinary crises, experiences, and social change.

NHMLAC is committed to being an institution of, for, and with L.A., and reflecting the present moment from your perspective, through your story. 

Like many museums, our history collections have often interpreted history and culture primarily from a white, Western European viewpoint. It’s time for us to listen and learn from you. With Your Story Matters, we are committed to being inclusive and want to hear—and with your permission, share—your stories because they are important and will help learners, researchers,  scholars and all of us as we reflect on these tumultuous times. We hope that people will see themselves reflected in these stories, and understand our historic times through your images and words.

If you’re not sure where to start, try answering some of these questions:

  • What are your experiences in these historic times? Have you engaged in new ways to self-care during the safer-at-home ordinance?
  • Has your access to nature changed, and how has that affected you?
  • Are you protesting for justice and fighting for social change?
  • If so, can you speak about what it is like to do so during a pandemic?

Whether it’s a photo or a video, an audio recording, or the written word, we want to know what you’re going through. If you’re submitting media, tell us when and where you recorded it, as well as why you’re including it if you are comfortable doing so. We aim to build a community-based collection that mirrors the vibrant and richly diverse community of people who call L.A. home.

Here are some examples of submissions:

Milena, Covina

Milena, Covina

Donna, Torrance

“Positivity Window” by Donna, Torrance

Courtney bread and soup out at Target

Courtney, Culver City

"A Better Me” by Anonymous, Los Angeles

"A Better Me” by Anonymous, Los Angeles

Harvesting Resilience Cover

“Harvesting Resilience” by Jennifer, Eagle Rock

Richard, Mid-Wilshire

Richard, Mid-Wilshire.

West Hollywood, Anonymous

Anonymous, West Hollywood

“Notes From a Pandemic” by Melinda, Pasadena

“Notes from a pandemic” by Melinda, Pasadena

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Milena, Covina

“Positivity Window” by Donna, Torrance

Courtney, Culver City

"A Better Me” by Anonymous, Los Angeles

“Harvesting Resilience” by Jennifer, Eagle Rock

Richard, Mid-Wilshire.

Anonymous, West Hollywood

“Notes from a pandemic” by Melinda, Pasadena

Ready to tell us your story?

Click here to submit using our webform.

Frequently asked questions:

For other questions about the project, please email our project team at yourstory@nhm.org.