The manuscript collection contains numerous personal sources such as letters and diaries, which contain accounts of both everyday and historical events from later centuries. Personal sources have shed light on the Skaftár Fire, the Spanish Flu, and the years of occupation, to name a few.

It is clear that the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is historical, and people are therefore encouraged to keep personal records of the impact of the pandemic on themselves and their loved ones, for example, reflections on the events of each day. These reflections could be handwritten or printed from a computer and donated to a manuscript collection. Access to such accounts can be blocked if the donor wishes, but these records will be important testimony for future historians who will discuss these events.

You can send an email to handrit@landsbokasafn.is for further information.

The accompanying image is from the diary of Magnús Helgason, principal of the Reykjavík Teachers' College, Lbs 3218 4to. In the diary, Magnús describes the situation in Reykjavík in November 1918, when the Spanish flu was at its peak, as well as writing about his own feelings and well-being at that time.

 

News in Fréttablaðið 16. March 2020 – Encouraging people to record and send memories of the pandemic