StoryCorps

We've covered the process of interviewing in class and have recently touched on radio and television broadcasting as well. A favorite method of mine that combines both broadcasts and interviews are those programs that feature stories from everyday people about life events. Those of us living in Jacksonville have a unique opportunity coming up in a couple weeks to experience this first hand when the StoryCorps project comes to town.

StoryCorps is an independent nonprofit project that began in 2003 with the opening of a StoryBooth in New York City's Grand Central Terminal. In 2005 they launched the MobileBooths, which are traveling recording studios housed in airstream trailers. By the end of 2008, the MobileBooths had recorded stories in over 100 cities in 48 states.

As stated on the StoryCorps website, the mission of the project "is to honor and celebrate one another's lives through listening." Their belief is that "StoryCorps reminds us of the importance of listening to and learning from those around us. It celebrates our shared humanity. It tells people that their lives matter and they won't be forgotten."

Since beginning in 2003, StoryCorps has launched several initiatives to get stories from people that have experienced specific shared events or backgrounds, including those effected by the events of September 11, individuals dealing with memory loss and Alzheimer's, African-Americans, Alaskan natives, and Hispanics in the US. However, the experience is open to everyone and they encourage everything from "a son asking his mother about her childhood" to "an immigrant telling his friend about coming to America, or a couple reminiscing on their 50th wedding anniversary."

As I mentioned before, the StoryCorps experience will be arriving in Jacksonville for anyone interested in participating or getting more experience with the interview process on a slightly more professional level. The MobileBooths will be in the area from November 19-December 19, 2009 in partnership with WJCT public radio. Reservations can be made at www.storycorps.org/record-your-story/locations/jacksonville-fl. Slots fill up fast, however, so keep an eye out for more slots opening on the 19th, as well as possible cancellations. Once a StoryCorps interview is recorded, a copy is given to the individuals that participated and another copy is archived at the Library of Congress.

The StoryCorps website (http://www.storycorps.org/) provides more background information on the project as well as helpful hints to prepare for the interview/conversation. You can also listen to examples of StoryCorps interviews such as this one by retired New York City firefigher John Vigiano and his wife Jan as they remember their two sons, a firefighter and policeman, who died at the World Trade Center. Or subscribe to the StoryCorps podcast:

Some interviews are sad, some are funny, some are eye opening. All are worth listening to.

As Dave Isay, founder of StoryCorps, explains on the website, "By listening closely to one another, we can help illuminate the true character of this nation, reminding us all just how precious each day can be and how truly great it is to be alive."