Telling Life Stories via StoryCorps
Friends and family share oral histories

The StoryCorps storytelling initiative has already been experienced by tens of thousands of people, as they work with a partner to record and preserve their life stories. It's part of the tradition of oral histories — asking questions of a relative or friend and recording these memories so they can be preserved for generations.

Summer might be a good time for your student to talk with a favorite aunt or grandparent as a way to capture their oral history. Or maybe you and your student can share this meaningful experience. The StoryCorps website at www.storycorps.net shares details about how to embark on this process, from questions to ask to StoryBooth and MobileBooth locations available throughout the summer where you can record your story.

Through this initiative, participants receive a CD recording of their interview and then another copy is archived at the Library of Congress. Sometimes, National Public Radio will air a story, with permission.

Oral histories capture our stories and provide structured opportunities for loved ones to share interesting, sometimes hidden information. StoryCorps makes the process easier… consider giving it a try!

Questions List
Find a series of potential questions you can ask about anything from war to relationships to family — and everything in between — at www.storycorps.net/record-your-story/question-generator/list.