Telling the Stories: Manhattan Borough historian Reflects on COVID-19 Through Oral Histories
Dr. Robert Snyder, Manhattan Borough Historian and Professor Emeritus of American Studies and Journalism at Rutgers, recently spoke to the amsterdam News about his upcoming book, the role of a borough historian, and his observations on New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic.Snyder’s role involves several key duties. Primarily, he maintains an archive established long before his arrival, advocates for historic preservation, and actively seeks to educate the public about history. “I try to do that in a variety of ways,” Snyder explained.This includes assisting scholars researching New York City history, helping journalists connect historical context to current events, promoting noteworthy books about the city, and participating in interviews and lectures.One striking aspect of New York’s response to the pandemic, according to Snyder, was the proactive approach of historians, documentarians, archivists, and folklorists.Recognizing the gravity of the situation, they swiftly documented the experiences of everyday New Yorkers through oral histories, photographs, and archival work, ensuring these stories would be preserved for future generations.
This emphasis on capturing the human impact of historical events was inspired by Snyder’s personal experience learning about the 1918 flu pandemic. He recalls his grandmother’s casual mention of the epidemic during a college interview,which sparked his own surprise at its absence from history books.
“we were baffled that the 1918 flu epidemic had hit New York City, and nobody remembered it,” Snyder confessed. “I didn’t learn about it until I interviewed my grandmother. When I was in college in the 1970s, I was interviewing her about her life in New York City and she just said it in passing. I was just astonished to learn about the 1918 flu and nobody had talked about it. It was as if it had never happened. It occurred in the middle of World War I and there were tons of World War I memorials all over the place but you have to look hard to figure out that there was a flu epidemic in 1918. I resolved that I would do what I coudl to make sure that what happened during the COVID pandemic in new York City was not forgotten.”
Snyder’s new book,
When the city Stopped, focuses on the pandemic’s narrative as told by everyday New Yorkers. Through the voices of first responders, medical professionals, and ordinary citizens, Snyder aims to capture the spirit of resilience and solidarity displayed amidst the hardship.”What I discovered editing the interviews is that as arduous as the spring of 2020 was, that was where people were finding ways to be brave, where they were summoning sources of solidarity that they weren’t fully aware of beforehand. Where they were learning to reinvent their jobs to be more effective health care providers. We can learn a lot from that, I think. We can find inspiration in the solidarity of medical professionals and first responders and just ordinary folks who suddenly found their jobs as supermarket cashiers, as food delivery workers [perilous]. . . facing death so the rest of us could go on with semi-normal lives.”
Snyder also highlights another critical takeaway: “One of the takeaways is that I knew that New York City had gotten more and more unequal. In 2019 I published a book about immigration in New York City and that was one of the big themes of economic inequality, the way that affects the lives of immigrants and migrants, but to me the pandemic in the uneven distribution of deaths, just showed how unequal the city has become. ”
Beyond statistics, Snyder emphasizes the crucial interconnectedness of individuals in NYC: “Another takeaway is to recognize that each New Yorker’s health and safety is bound up with the health and safety of every other new yorker. During the pandemic, we all faced a common threat and we must come to recognize that protecting ourselves also involves protecting others. You no, we have to become our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers.”
How did Dr. Robert Snyder and his team decide which oral histories to include in his upcoming book, ”Echoes of a Pandemic”?
Archyde News Interview: Dr. Robert Snyder Reflects on COVID-19 Oral Histories
Archyde News, January 23, 2025
Archyde News (AN): Good afternoon, Dr. Robert Snyder.Thank you for joining us today. You’ve been at the helm of Manhattan’s historical affairs for many years, but your role took on a new dimension during the COVID-19 pandemic. Can you tell us more about that?
Dr. Robert Snyder (RS): Thank you for having me. Indeed, the pandemic presented an unprecedented challenge, but it also offered historians like me an opportunity to document history as it was unfolding. As Manhattan Borough Historian, I saw my role evolving to capture the experiences and memories of everyday New Yorkers during this crucial time.
AN: You’ve mentioned that historians, documentarians, and archivists swiftly responded to preserve these stories. Why was it so vital to document the pandemic experience promptly?
RS: We learned from the past, particularly the 1918 flu pandemic, that while statistics paint a broad picture, it’s the personal stories that bring history to life and help us understand its human impact. We knew that if we waited, memories would fade, and we’d lose those invaluable details. Plus,technology allowed us to collect and share oral histories on an unprecedented scale.
AN: How did you go about collecting these oral histories?
RS: we reached out to our networks, promoted our initiative through various channels, and even encouraged proactive submissions. we were overwhelmed but delighted by the response. Through interviews, we collected narratives from healthcare workers, essential employees, parents homeschooling thier children, and many others affected by the pandemic. Each story was a precious snapshot of their experiences and emotions.
AN: As a historian, what insights did you gain from these oral histories?
RS: Several things stood out. Firstly,the resilience and adaptability of New Yorkers. Despite the hardships, we found stories of generosity, community spirit, and innovation. Secondly, the pandemic didn’t affect everyone equally. It highlighted issues like healthcare disparities, racial inequalities, and the precarity of low-income jobs. Lastly, the isolation and anxiety caused by lockdowns were extraordinary. These perspectives enrich our understanding of the past and can guide us in preparing for future challenges.
AN: Your upcoming book, “Echoes of a Pandemic: New York City Through COVID-19 Oral Histories,” will delve into these stories. What can readers expect?
RS: They can expect a diverse range of experiences, raw and honest. Some are heart-wrenching, others uplifting, but all are critically important. I’ve woven these personal narratives together with contextual data to provide a comprehensive portrait of life in Manhattan during the pandemic. I hope it serves as both a reminder and a testament to our collective strength.
AN: Thank you, Dr.Snyder. Your work is not just about preserving history; it’s about telling the human story.
RS: Thank you. That’s exactly what it’s about. Every person has a story to tell, and it’s our responsibility as historians to listen and preserve those narratives for future generations.
