History Responds
Our History Responds initiative collects history as it's unfolding.
Our History Responds initiative collects history as it's unfolding. In an effort to preserve historically important moments for future generations, the New-York Historical Society seeks relevant materials during or immediately following major events like celebrations, protests, and natural disasters.
While we have collected materials reflecting contemporary events since our founding in 1804, we launched History Responds in the immediate aftermath of the attacks on September 11, 2001. New-York Historical’s president at the time, Kenneth T. Jackson, urged staff to take the lead in capturing the history that was all around them.
Since September 11, History Responds has documented Black Lives Matter protests, Occupy Wall Street, the 2017 Women’s Marches, March for Our Lives, the Climate Strike, and the COVID-19 pandemic among other events.
If you believe you have an item that is worth preserving, fill out this form and begin the donation process.
Have questions? Need assistance? Email us at historyresponds@nyhistory.org.
History Responds in the news:
"This Year Will End Eventually. Document It While You Can." New York Times
"History in the Moment: Museums Begin Chronicling Coronavirus Pandemic" Wall Street Journal
"Why Museums Are Collecting Artifacts From the Black Lives Matter Protests as They’re Happening"Artnet News
"How Museums Will Eventually Tell the Story of COVID-19" Atlas Obscura
Learn more:
History Responds: Collecting During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Living to Tell the Tale: A Historian on the Objects Life Leaves Behind



