The Smithsonian Institution is planning on holding a daylong national conversation, where people from around the country share their experiences of 2020, on Friday, December 11.
The event titled “24 Hours in a Time of Change” will be centering around this year, which “has been unlike any other in recent history, bringing many unprecedented circumstances and challenges.” It will be jointly hosted by 10 Smithsonian museums and cultural centers.
There will be virtual programs featuring contemporary issues such as the coronavirus pandemic and racial injustice during the day. The Smithsonian will invite the public to reflect on and share their personal experiences coping with the challenges of the present day.
“By collecting stories from the public, ‘24 Hours in a Time of Change’ seeks to bring people together through a national dialogue and help the Smithsonian capture a snapshot of a day in the life of the nation,” said the institution in a statement.
Potential participants can find a number of questions like “What traditions have you and your family started this year? What message would you send your future self about your life in these changing times?” and “How is art shaping your response to this moment?” on the website 24hours.si.edu to shape their reflections.
The institution will choose the most outstanding stories to display on the program’s website and post on social media with the hashtag #Smithsonian24Hours. They will also be archived for the Smithsonian’s collections.
Among the participating institutions are the Hirshhorn Museum, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Portrait Gallery, and others.