100 years ago on 11 November 1918 the guns fell silent and hostilities ceased on the western front with the signing of the armistice. 100 years later we have reached a day that maybe the men dared to dream was a day they were fighting for, a day in the future that their children’s children would see. A day when the world might be a better place because of their actions. ‘The Diaries of the Here and Now’ project developed by artist Dawn Cole will record that day and give a snapshot into the lives of the people who take part.
The University of Kent’s Special Collections and Archives is taking part in this exciting project, designed to commemorate the centenary of the Armistice. The project is also taking place at Canterbury Cathedral as part of The Memories Project (The Canterbury Journey).
How do I get involved?
We want you to record anything about your day on 11th November 2018; your thoughts, your feelings, what you did, something important that happened in any way through written form, photographs, collage, painting, poetry, creative writing, printing, colour – the possibilities are endless, but the finished diary must be contained within the small, hand-made diary that you will be given.
Where do I get a diary?
The blank diaries will be available from end October 2018 in the Templeman Library Welcome Hall, Canterbury Campus or you can make your own using this make your own diary worksheet. Complete the diary on Sun 11 November. Return it in the envelope provided with the Diaries of the Here and Now participation form by 25 November in the postbox in the Templeman Library or post to ‘Diaries of the Here and Now, Special Collections and Archives, Templeman Library, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NZ’.
How will my diary be used?
In Autumn 2019 there will be an exhibition of a selection of diaries at both the University and at Canterbury Cathedral – 100 years after the first Remembrance Day. Your diary will be entered into our archives as a permanent record of peoples’ lives on this one day. Be part of this project to create a Diary of the Here and Now!
Find out more about Dawn Cole the artist.