Stories of how Melbourne’s suburban communities coped during the unprecedented events of the past year will be shared in a new online digital exhibition.

One year on: Stories of COVID-19 in Melbourne’s Suburbs was officially launched at the Melbourne Museum today.

The digital display features a collection of stories and illustrations about how people across Melbourne adapted and supported each other in 2020.

The display includes the story of Elder Aunty Jennine Armistead, who spread joy to her neighbourhood by offering traditional handwoven baskets and native cuttings from her garden in Frankston. Some of Aunty Jennine’s baskets have been donated to the Melbourne Museum as part of the display and will be able to be viewed online.

To assemble exhibits, last year Melburnians were encouraged to document and share how their lives changed at home and in their local communities – to capture and reflect on stories of resilience, community and ingenuity.

These stories, and artifacts donated to Melbourne Museum, will form part of the historical narrative around the Melbourne experience of the pandemic.

The digital display can be viewed at museumsvictoria.com.au/one-year-on.