Join the Stories from the Mountains Project - Family Interviews

Help Us Preserve Our Heritage: Interview Your Grandparents for the Stories from the Mountains!

Elderly grandparents from Appalachia

We are excited to announce the launch of the Stories from the Mountains Project, a heartfelt initiative aimed at preserving the rich cultural heritage and personal stories of our elderly residents in southern Appalachia. As we embark on this journey, we need your help to kickstart this meaningful project by interviewing your own grandparents and older family members.

Why This Project Matters

Our elderly relatives carry with them a treasure trove of memories and experiences that paint a vivid picture of life in Appalachia. By capturing these stories, we not only preserve our history but also provide our elders with a chance to share their wisdom and feel valued. This initial phase of family interviews will help us gauge interest and demonstrate the profound impact these stories can have.

How You Can Get Involved

Interview Your Grandparents or Older Family Members: 

Spend some quality time with your grandparents or older relatives and ask them about their lives. Use the following simple, open-ended questions to guide your conversation:

• "What was it like growing up here?"

• "Can you tell me about your family and what you all did together?"

• "What games or activities did you enjoy as a kid?"

• "What were your favorite meals growing up?"

"How has life here changed since you were young?"

Record Their Stories: 

With their permission, record the conversations using your phone or a digital recorder. If recording isn't possible, take detailed notes to capture their memories accurately.

Share Your Stories:

 

👉 Step 1: Register your story.

Before sharing, please fill out a short registration form so we know who you are and how you’d like to contribute. This helps us keep stories organized and ensure everyone is honored respectfully.

👉 Step 2: Share your story in the group.

After registering, you’ll receive a link to our Stories from the Mountain group where you can post your story, upload photos, and even share video or voice recordings.

Why Your Participation Matters

By participating in the Hearts of Appalachia Project, you are helping to create a valuable archive of oral histories that will be cherished for generations. This is also a wonderful way to connect with your loved ones, learning about their lives and deepening your family bonds. Plus, your involvement will inspire others to join the project, paving the way for our future collaboration with nursing homes.

What’s Next?

Once we have gathered stories from family interviews, we will expand the project to nursing homes in the region. Our goal is to engage with residents, listen to their stories, and continue preserving the rich cultural tapestry of Appalachia. Your initial contributions will be a testament to the power of community and shared history.

Get Started Today!

We invite you to be a part of this beautiful journey. So, make a glass of sweet tea, sit down with your grandparents, and let their stories unfold. Let’s work together to honor our past and enrich our future.

Thank you for helping us preserve our heritage and create meaningful connections across generations.

Register Here