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COVID-19 in Hennepin County Photographs

 Collection
Identifier: M/A 0369

Description of Contents

Photographs of business exteriors and signage taken by Hennepin County Library staff, primarily at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic from March to May 2020. Signs include printed and handwritten messages noting business closures and changes to services. Includes some photographs of messages of support and positive affirmations in yards and on sidewalks.

Dates

  • Creation: 2020 - 2021

Creator

Access

The collection is available for use in Special Collections at Minneapolis Central Library during the department's open hours. Contact Special Collections for access to electronic records.

History

On March 6, 2020, the first positive COVID-19 test was confirmed in the state of Minnesota. One week later, Governor Tim Walz announced a temporary closure of all Minnesota K-12 public schools followed soon after with the closure of all non-essential businesses. The closures were initially scheduled until March 27. These closures were then extended until May 1, 2020, and a shelter in place order was issued for all residents of Minnesota. During this time, restaurants, stores, libraries, churches, and businesses temporarily shut down. As businesses were allowed to re-open, restrictions and changes to services were put in place including limited in-person capacities, curb-side service, mask usage, hand washing, and social distancing. Some businesses photographed in this series did not survive through the temporary closure and were shut down completely.

Extent

4.20 Gigabytes

Language of Materials

English

Other Finding Aids

An inventory of the photographs in this collection is available. Contact Special Collections for more information.

Donor Information

This collection was compiled by Hennepin County Library staff from 2020 to 2021.

Related Materials in Hennepin County Library Special Collections

For archived websites from local organizations, see the COVID-19 in Hennepin County collection in the Hennepin County Library Web Archive.

Title
COVID-19 in Hennepin County Photographs
Status
Completed
Author
Bailey Diers
Date
June 2021
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Hennepin County Library Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Minneapolis Central Library
300 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis MN 55401 U.S.A.
612-543-8200