Week Ten

It seems that much of the world has had to rethink their everyday life due to the Corona virus outbreak, and our Public History class, as well as the whole of Loyola, did not escape that. Through the stress of packing up my dorm, the sadness of saying goodbye to my friends, and the anxiety of global news, I was still able to find a time to complete the first steps of my memorial project. I have decided to do my project on the Theodore Thomas memorial, also known as The Spirit of Music. I chose this monument for its beauty, although I am saddened to say that I did not have the opportunity to see it in person at its location in Grant Park before leaving Chicago, as well as its connection to music which I am deeply fond of. Theodore Thomas was the first director and founder of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and was a large contributor to Chicago’s long history of musicianship, theater and other art forms. I am very excited to dive deeper into the history of the monument itself as well as Chicago’s musical history and Theodore Thomas’ life.

While my final project members and I are unsure as to what our direction will be in light of not having full access to Loyola’s archives, I am confident in our ability to adapt and be innovative during this time of confusion and turmoil. My group will really have to work through any hindrances to communication such as altered academic schedules and differing living situations in order to be successful which I think will be the thing that causes me some difficulties. However, I think that the Loyola community’s reaction to the Corona virus and the willingness of students and professors to work together in order to still have a productive semester is a testament to our durability and our courage to face challenges head on.