About this Project

Inspired by efforts to collect stories during the COVID-19 pandemic, this project sought to identify and understand some of the primary source materials available across the Chippewa Valley which examine the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic. The project is supported by a Summer Research Experience for Undergraduate grant from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. This project is also connected to the health humanities, an initative at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

Project Team

Sylvie Leach is a Public History student in her third year at 
UWEC, minoring in Art History and German. Working as a 
Student Assistant at UW- Eau Claire’s Special Collections 
and Archives since her first year, she enjoys interpreting 
local historical materials. Her professional interests include
 the social history of dress and material culture, as well as 
medieval to modern art history.

Greg Kocken is the University Archivist and Head of 
McIntyre Library's Special Collections and Archives 
Department. Greg holds a Master of Arts Degree from 
UW-Madison in Library and Information Studies with 
certification in Archives and Records Administration. 
Greg received his undergraduate education from UW-
Eau Claire. Greg has been a member of the faculty at 
UW-Eau Claire since 2011.

Sarah Beer is the Associate University Archivist in 
McIntyre Library's Special Collections and Archives 
Department. Sarah holds a Master of Library and 
Information Studies Degree with an archives 
concentration from UW-Milwaukeeand a Bachelors 
Degree in History, with an emphasis in Public 
History, from UW-Eau Claire.