What is StoryCorps?
StoryCorps is an independent nonprofit project whose mission is to provide Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs with the opportunity to record, share, and preserve the stories of our lives. Founded in 2003, StoryCorps gives participants the opportunity to leave a legacy in sound for future generations.
We invite everyday people to record 40-minute interviews with their loved ones in our soundproof recording booths. One copy of the interview goes home with the participants on a CD, and with their permission, a second copy is archived at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. StoryCorps is the largest oral history project of its kind, and millions listen to our broadcasts on NPR’s Morning Edition and on the web.
What is the Memory Loss Initiative?
Due to the growing number of Americans who are living with some form of memory loss, StoryCorps launched an initiative in 2006 to reach out to people affected by memory loss. Our aim is to support and encourage people with memory loss to share their stories.
Where and when are interviews recorded?
StoryCorps regularly conducts interview sessions at our permanent recording studios, called StoryBooths, in New York City, San Francisco, CA, and Atlanta, GA. We also have two MobileBooths, which are Airstream trailers outfitted with soundproof recording studios, that travel the country year-round.
As part of the Memory Loss Initiative, StoryCorps also records interviews on-site in locations all over the country. In addition, StoryKits are available free of charge for participants involved in the Memory Loss Initiative. These kits are designed for interviews like those that take place in our booths and on-site locations: meaningful conversations between two or three people.
Whom should I bring to the interview?
The Memory Loss Initiative supports participants who are experiencing memory loss. Participants experiencing memory loss may be interviewed by anyone: a family member, a friend, or a caregiver.
What will happen to my recording after my interview session?
You will receive a copy of your interview on CD to share with friends and family. With your permission, a copy of your interview will be preserved in the StoryCorps Archive at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC.
How long is the interview?
The entire interview process takes about an hour. Recording time is 40 minutes.
How can I prepare for my interview?
StoryCorps does not have a mission for how interviews should be conducted, but supports conversations between people who care for each other. We understand that the nature of memory loss makes it difficult at times to remember moments in a person’s life, but the purpose of the interview is not to capture the specifics. Rather, we encourage people to think of the interview as a celebration of a person’s life. StoryCorps sessions are designed to be natural conversations, not a test of a person’s memory. The suggested interview tips and question list will help you to start thinking about the interview process.
What does the Facilitator do during the session?
The Facilitator is present with you and your partner throughout the entire interview process and handles all technical aspects of the recording.
Who are the Facilitators?
Facilitators come from a variety of backgrounds and are good, thoughtful listeners. They are present to help you have a comfortable and meaningful experience.
How can I share the recording with others?
Please feel free to make copies of your interview for your friends and family. If you need assistance, most office supply stores can provide copies of your CD for a reasonable price.
Will my story be excerpted for the public to hear?
With permission from the participants, a few of the thousands of stories we collect are excerpted for posting on our website or broadcast on NPR’s Morning Edition. We are a small nonprofit organization and do not have the capacity to edit all of the interviews we record. The most important aspect of the project is the interview experience itself.
How much does it cost to participate?
The Memory Loss Initiative is generously funded by supporters Joseph and Carol Reich and is free to all participants.
What happens if I don’t want my CD to be archived at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress?
If you do not sign the Library of Congress release form, your CD will not be archived and we will not keep a copy of your interview.
