Home Furnishings HOF launches COVID-19 archive
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HIGH POINT, N.C. – The American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame Foundation is launching a COVID-19 initiative to collect and archive documentation of the response of the home furnishings industry to the pandemic. 

“During World War II, many factories were converted to support the war effort but sadly, we have very spotty records – just references to it,” said Karen McNeill, Hall of Fame Foundation CEO. “The COVID-19 crisis represents a watershed moment in home furnishings history that has changed everything from how we do business to how we go about our daily lives and interact with family, friends and coworkers.  We need to document and archive the COVID response for future generations.”

She noted how some companies shifted production to address critical shortages in PPE and other materials needed on the front lines by medical professionals and other essential workers. Other companies, McNeill noted, have donated time, money and resources to charitable causes in their communities.

The Hall of Fame is seeking the following types of materials:

•    Media, including press releases, company newsletters, and newspaper articles detailing the company and how it has responded to COVID-19. Examples may include shifting manufacturing to address pandemic-related shortages, employee safety programs, community or nationwide initiatives, charitable donations, or other ventures.

•    From manufacturers, examples of the company's production of PPE or other materials manufactured during the pandemic. Companies may send photographs or small items, such as a mask or fabric sample.

•    Photographs or short video clips, along with brief descriptions, of the production of PPE or other materials, or of increased safety measures designed to protect employees, clients, buyers, or others. 

“In the future, when we look back on the response of our industry to the challenges of this unique moment, the Hall of Fame wants to ensure that we preserve a rich record,” McNeill said. “This industry has always been generous and now we need for you to tell us your story, not just to create an industry record, but for the public record, in order to preserve these very special and significant stories.”

For further information, contact Dr. Kyle Hughes, Hall of Fame historian and curator, at 336-882-5900 or by email at [email protected]. Items can also be mailed to him at 202 Neal Place, Suite 101, High Point, NC 27262

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Karen Koenig | Editor

Karen M. Koenig has more than 30 years of experience in the woodworking industry, including visits to wood products manufacturing facilities throughout North America, Europe and Asia. As editor of special publications under the Woodworking Network brand, including the Red Book Best Practices resource guide and website, Karen’s responsibilities include writing, editing and coordinating of editorial content. She is also a contributor to FDMC and other Woodworking Network online and print media owned by CCI Media. She can be reached at [email protected]