Heritage in lockdown: digital provision of memory institutions in the UK and US of America during the COVID-19 pandemic

TLDR

COVID‑19 lockdowns shifted public media consumption online, prompting museums to urgently develop digital ways to present cultural collections. The study surveyed heritage institutions to assess how they adapted during lockdowns by cataloguing new digital resources. Data were collected from 83 UK and US museums between April and July 2020, documenting the number, type, format, target audience, and goals of their digital engagement offerings. Results show that institutions varied in their responses, offering educational materials, live events, and creative activities, with some approaches proving effective while others needing refinement.

Abstract

As the impact of COVID-19 emerged in early 2020 and physical movement was restricted as a public health measure, digital media consumption behaviour changed dramatically. The accelerated move to online consumption increased the urgency for memory institutions such as museums to introduce new ways to digitally experience cultural collections. This research aimed to understand how memory institutions adapted during COVID-19 lockdowns by surveying the existing and novel digital resources that enabled access to cultural heritage organizations. The research was conducted during the UK lockdown period (April–July 2020) when we collected and analysed data from 83 heritage institutions in the UK and in the USA regarding the number, type, format, intended audience and intended aims of digital engagement opportunities they offered. The analysis evidences how different types of memory institutions responded to social need during the lockdown by supporting online visitors with resources such as educational material, live events and creative activities, and highlights where museums have acted effectively and where changed approaches are indicated.