A Deeper Sickness: Journal of America in the Pandemic Year
Reviewed by: Kristy Leonardatos
Review started: March 13, 2023
Review finished: March 14, 2023
Site Link
Data and Sources
- Video
- Social Media
- Digital documents
- Audio
- Written commentary
- Maps
- Photographs
Processes
- 200 days of daily entries
- Academic articles and research
- Peer reviewed digital exhibits
- Contributions from authors
- Archive of 4k+ sources
- Submitted eyewitness accounts
- Historical analysis
- Interview transcripts
Presentation
A Deeper Sickness, Museum of America in the Pandemic Year, 2020 website includes a Home page explaining the rationale and method of the project along with information and a link to the accompanying book for purchase. “Daily Entries” page which contains entries from 200 days in 2020. “Exhibits” page housing cross disciplinary scholarly research articles, creative projects and undergraduate research submissions. Lastly, an “About” page includes a project and process explanations, the author’s bio and a list of experts, research assistants, digital museum technical support and additional information for evaluation
Digital Tools Used
- Wordpress
- Zotero
- Data Mining (not clear what tool used)
- GoogleDocs
- Our World in Data covid counter feed
- Openstreet Maps
Languages
- Mainly English, a few linked articles/information that are in other languages.
Review
A Deeper Sickness, Museum of America in the Pandemic Year, 2020 provides the viewer with a wealth of historical pandemic related information of 2020, plus a bonus 2021 date: January 6th. The digital museum, created by Dr. Margaret Peacock and Dr. Erik L. Peterson, and the accompanying book give visitors a factual and serious look at how America’s troubled and unfavorable traits may have added to the devastation caused by the pandemic. Dr. Peacock and Dr Peterson recommend navigating the site along with reading the book and indicate that the site is set apart from other pandemic websites, because it challenges viewers to look at the historical factors when considering the pandemic experience. The project meets its goals of curating and sharing historical information while looking through a magnifying glass at America and how the pandemic was an extension of not solving social justice problems.
The website design is visually appealing and uses a simple and intuitive layout. The use of large, high-quality images, and a consistent color scheme helps to create a cohesive visual identity for the project. Although the site contains many different components, it remains well-organized and consistent.
Overall, I believe that A Deeper Sickness is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning more about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals and communities. The website provides a wealth of primary sources that offer a unique and personal perspective on the pandemic, and the design and user experience are well-executed. I would highly recommend this website to anyone interested in digital humanities, history, or current events.