Would you like to keep a one-day diary for Mass Observation?
On the 12th May 2021, the Mass Observation Archive will be repeating its annual call for day diaries, capturing the everyday lives of people across the UK. The written diaries will be stored in the Archive at The Keep and be used by a wide range of people for research, teaching and learning.
In 1937 Mass Observation called for people from all parts of the UK to record everything they did from when they woke up in the morning to when they went to sleep at night on 12th May. This was the day of George VI’s Coronation. The resulting diaries provide a wonderful glimpse into the everyday lives of people across Britain and have become an invaluable resource for those researching countless aspects of the era.
We don’t know how life will be on the 12th May, but we would like your help to document it. Please tell your family and friends. It will be valuable to have a collection from people of all ages across the UK.
Last year we received over 5000 diaries.
We would love to hear from you again to find out how your life is a year on.
We understand it has been a very difficult year and we were touched that so many people chose to share their stories with Mass Observation.
If you didn’t send a diary in last year, why not join in this year and tell us about your life now in 2021?
Diaries can record 12th May and reflect back over the past year and look forward to the future and life beyond this year.
Share your lives, your hopes and your dreams with Mass Observation for future generations.
All details about how to take part are here: http://www.massobs.org.uk/write-for-us/12th-may
Over 5000 diaries were sent in last year and there are a series of short films reflecting some of the themes here http://www.massobs.org.uk/learning/12th-may-resources
