In 2021, we’re partnering with local radio stations in cities throughout the U.S. to remotely record the conversations of local residents and preserve them in the Library of Congress.
Since 2005, the StoryCorps Mobile Tour has facilitated thousands of meaningful conversations between people who know and care about one another. This year, for the safety of participants during the pandemic, our tour will begin remotely, with appointments in our “virtual recording booth.” Participants can record remotely from their homes using an internet-connected device.
Reservations, which are free and available to the public, become available approximately two weeks before the tour’s arrival in each location and can be booked here. The initial tour itinerary is below; additional dates and locations will be announced in spring 2021.
| Location | Partner | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Boston, MA | WBUR | January 5 – February 13, 2020 |
| Mississippi | Mississippi Public Broadcasting | February 12 – March 30, 2020 |
| Little Rock, AR | KUAR | March 24 – April 24 |
| Baltimore, MD | WYPR | April 28 – May 29 |
In a StoryCorps interview, two people record a meaningful conversation with one another about who they are, what they’ve learned in life, and how they want to be remembered. A trained StoryCorps facilitator guides them through the interview process step-by-step. After each 40-minute recording session, participants receive a link to download their interview. With participant permission, their conversation is archived at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.
The interview process and experience for announced stops will be conducted via StoryCorps Virtual, a new, browser-based platform that allows both participants to see and hear one another during their conversation, and to be joined and guided by a StoryCorps facilitator remotely.
“StoryCorps tells an authentic American story — that we are a people defined by small acts of courage, kindness and heroism. Each interview reminds people that their lives matter and will not be forgotten. During this pandemic, the value of preserving these stories, and of strengthening connections between people who may feel physically isolated, is more important than ever.”
— Dave Isay, Founder and President of StoryCorps
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) is the Founding Partner of the StoryCorps Mobile Tour. CPB’s support has enabled the StoryCorps Mobile Tour to visit 180 towns and cities nationwide since 2005, recording tens of thousands of stories.