Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningNews

Lexington Launches StoryCorps Initiative for 250th Anniversary

Lexington residents share their stories at the StoryCorps mobile booth during the 250th anniversary celebrations.

Article Sponsored by:

SPACE AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORS!

Want to target the right audience? Sponsor our site and choose your specific industry to connect with a relevant audience.

What Sponsors Receive:

Prominent brand mentions across targeted, industry-focused articles
High-visibility placements that speak directly to an engaged local audience
Guaranteed coverage that maximizes exposure and reinforces your brand presence

Interested in seeing what sponsored content looks like on our platform?

Browse Examples of Sponsored News and Articles:

May’s Roofing & Contracting
Forwal Construction
NSC Clips
Real Internet Sales
Suited
Florida4Golf

Click the button below to sponsor our articles:

Sponsor Our Articles

News Summary

Lexington, Kentucky, is commemorating its 250th anniversary by partnering with StoryCorps to gather personal narratives from residents. The initiative invites individuals to share their stories through recorded interviews at Woodland Park from March 20 to April 16. As part of the project, select stories will be highlighted in StoryCorps’ ‘Brightness in Black’ series, emphasizing representation. This effort not only preserves the rich history of Lexington but also fosters community connections through shared experiences.

Lexington, Kentucky is celebrating its 250th anniversary with a unique initiative that invites residents to share their personal stories. The city has partnered with StoryCorps, a renowned national nonprofit organization focused on recording and preserving individual experiences. This collaboration aims to capture the diverse voices and narratives of Lexingtonians, honoring both the city’s past and its future.

The StoryCorps mobile booth will be stationed in Woodland Park from March 20 to April 16. During this time, residents will have the opportunity to participate in recorded interviews that will also be available virtually via Zoom. Each session will last approximately 40 minutes and will involve meaningful conversations between two individuals, allowing participants to explore and share their life experiences.

The recorded stories will be archived at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., ensuring that the memories of those who shape Lexington’s identity are preserved for future generations. So far, StoryCorps has recorded over 130 interviews during its previous visit to Lexington, highlighting the community’s eagerness to contribute their voices to this ongoing project.

The current initiative will also feature select stories in StoryCorps’ “Brightness in Black” series, which focuses specifically on the experiences of Black residents in the region. This aspect of the project is particularly notable as it aims to emphasize the importance of representation and inclusion in the narratives that define the community.

Leading the StoryCorps Mobile Tour is Ian Murakami, who manages the logistics and operations of this traveling booth. This year marks the 17th year of the StoryCorps Mobile Tour, which has successfully recorded nearly 700,000 stories across all 50 states. The founder of StoryCorps, Dave Isay, was inspired by the WPA Federal Writers Project, reflecting a commitment to the preservation of personal history and storytelling.

The StoryCorps initiative encourages residents to reflect on their own journeys, as well as the collective history of Lexington. Bryan Lane, the general manager for the local NPR affiliate, has underscored the significance of documenting the rich history of the city, recognizing the role personal stories play in shaping a community’s identity.

Participants will receive a digital copy of their recorded interviews, allowing them to share their stories with family and friends, as well as contribute to the broader narrative of Lexington. Recording appointments can be scheduled either online or by phone, and participants are required to confirm their appointments and provide contact details for their recording partner.

This initiative is particularly relevant in the context of recent global events. The pandemic has underscored the importance of preserving memories and personal histories, making this project a timely opportunity for Lexingtonians to express their experiences and connect with one another.

In summary, Lexington’s collaboration with StoryCorps not only marks a milestone in the city’s 250th anniversary celebrations but also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of storytelling in fostering community connections and preserving shared history. As residents come together to share their voices, they contribute to a rich tapestry of experiences that will be cherished for generations to come.