Book launch – Local Lives in a Global Pandemic: Stories from North Central Florida

Press release from Matheson History Museum

The Matheson History Museum and the Writers Alliance of Gainesville (WAG) are thrilled to see this project come to fruition. On Thursday, December 16, we will launch our book Local Lives in a Global Pandemic: Stories from North Central Florida. The anthology was edited by WAG members Pat Caren, Ronnie Lovler, and Mallory O’Connor, along with Dr. Charles Cobb, Curator and Lockwood Professor of Historical Archaeology, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida. Cobb and Lovler are also members of the Matheson Board of Directors. Copies of the book are available for purchase in the Matheson gift shop.

For the safety of staff and attendees, capacity will be limited to 50 people and masks are required. Admission is free but registration is required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/local-lives-in-a-global-pandemic-book-launch-tickets-200366731287

A virtual option via Zoom is available for those who cannot attend in person: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Jgb5YR-aSR-lIksY8loZnw

How has the pandemic affected your life and that of your family and friends?

That was the question asked by the Matheson staff and Writers Alliance of Gainesville members. They sought stories, essays, poems, etc. about personal experiences during the pandemic. Writers were asked to tell the tale in 1000 words or less, and they responded passionately. Over fifty contributors sent in numerous essays, stories, poems, illustrations, and a play.

This program is sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville/Alachua County, FL and by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council of the Arts and Culture, and the State of Florida.