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12th May
In 1937 Mass Observation called for people from all parts of the UK to record everything they did from when they woke up in the morning to when they went to sleep at night on 12th May. Mass Observation revived the project in 2010 since then we’ve received thousands of day diaries, creating an invaluable resource of everyday life across the UK. The project continues to this day. Want to take part? Find out more below!
Taking Part
As an Individual
Diary day is about recording everyday life in the UK for future generations.
We are really keen to capture as many different voices and lived experiences as possible. We encourage everyone to take part!
Your diary can be as detailed as you like. It can include drawings, photos or other creative work. We want to capture not just what you did, but how you felt during the day too.
What do I need to include?
The only things we ask writers to include are:
- A brief self portrait:
- your age, where you live, your relationship status, your job or occupation if you are working and any other information that you think is important to record.
- A copyright statement. This means that we can add your diary to the Archive and make it publicly accessible. If you don’t attach this statement, we won’t be able to keep your diary or make it part of the Archive. We ask that you include the following statement:
- “I donate my 12th May diary to the Mass Observation Archive. I consent to it being made publicly available as part of the Archive and assign my copyright in the diary to the Mass Observation Archive Trustees so that it can be reproduced in full or in part on websites, in publications and in broadcasts as approved by the Mass Observation Trustees. I agree to the Mass Observation Archive assuming the role of Data Controller and the Archive will be responsible for the collection and processing of personal data and ensuring that such data complies with the DPA.”
How do I send you my diary?
Diaries can be submitted via our online form (Word or PDF documents preferably) or posted to us at The Keep. You can also take part via the hashtag, #12may2025.
As a Group
We really welcome diaries from school children, community groups, or other organisations and have an optional template you can use. We also have a learning resource specifically for 12th May.
If you choose not to use the template, please ensure that each individual diary includes the following statement so that we can add it to the Archive.
“I donate my 12th May diary to the Mass Observation Archive. I consent to it being made publicly available as part of the Archive and assign my copyright in the diary to the Mass Observation Archive Trustees so that it can be reproduced in full or in part on websites, in publications and in broadcasts as approved by the Mass Observation Trustees. I agree to the Mass Observation Archive assuming the role of Data Controller and the Archive will be responsible for the collection and processing of personal data and ensuring that such data complies with the DPA.”
Please also download, complete and sign a copy of the Terms and Conditions form. You only need to submit the Terms and Conditions form with a batch of diaries from your school, group or organisation and send to the Mass Observation Archive at The Keep. There does not have to be a form for every submission.
Previous Examples
‘Early hours waiting, waiting. Waiting for the rainbow skies “Aurora” more and more…‘
69 year old University Lecturer, 12th May 2024
‘It was all so distressing so much at variance with actual conditions. Far from causing forgetfulness for a minute, it emphasised even more the real state of things.’
23 year old secretary in refugee relief organisation, 12th May 1937, Respondent 091
Partnership Projects
John Pateman is a PhD Doctoral Researcher with the University of Leicester and the British Library. He is working with the Living Knowledge Network to articulate the value of UK public libraries to the communities they serve. As part of his research John is carrying out a survey in partnership with Mass Observation and Inspire Culture on Mass Observation Day 12 May.
Further Resources
We have loads of resources to support teaching, engaging and learning about the 12th May project!
Learn more about 12th May from the team at Mass Observation
Or you can use our power point presentation! We also have lots of social media graphics you can circulate and share with your friends.