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What is StoryCorps’ 'Great Thanksgiving Listen?' Plus, advice for doing oral histories

StoryCorps, the nonprofit project which works to collect oral stories from everyday Americans, is beckoning people to “listen to their elders” this Thanksgiving weekend and record a story through their new mobile app. The project is called “The Great Thanksgiving Listen.”

The organization is partnering with teachers and schools across the nation to prep children to interview their grandparents, aunts, uncles, or respected “elders” in their lives. On Wednesday’s “St. Louis on the Air,” Kate Duff, a project manager with StoryCorps, joined the show to discuss the project and how you can get involved at your Thanksgiving table.

"This weekend, we are working with high school history and social studies teachers all over the country to encourage students to interview an elder over the Thanksgiving weekend using our new StoryCorps app," Duff said. "This is a piece of technology that walks students through the process of planning and recording the conversation."

In the end, if both parties agree, they can share the story with StoryCorps through the app. The group, in turn, will submit that recording to the Library of Congress to be archived for all time. 

The project isn't limited to just students either: Duff encouraged all people to record stories from elders during Thanksgiving. She also offered some pointers on how to best do this:

  • Get comfortable with the technology by downloading the app early and figuring out where the microphone on your phone is
  • Ask open-ended questions of your relatives.
  • Get them started talking by asking about a favorite Thanksgiving memories or meals. 
  • Try to record the family member in a carpeted room, away from the din of the Thanksgiving table.

Several people from the St. Louis Genealogical Society joined the conversation and offered their advice for starting to do an oral history project. 

   

You can see some of their other suggestions on Facebook here

Mackinson's other advice, sent by email, also included:

  • "Try to record these memories in an unobtrusive way. Voice recordings or video recordings are good, and easier than taking notes. Be sure to include the names, date, and place of the interview on your recording for future reference."
  • "It's OK if it's funny or sad. These can be emotional memories, as folks remember loved ones no longer with us."
  • "After talking about the holidays, you can branch out to the next generation. "Did your parents start any holiday traditions?" With family history, it's always good to start with yourself then go back one generation at a time."

Want to get involved? Share your story with the app and then email us at talk@stlpublicradio.org to let us know—we’re looking to share your stories in the run-up to the winter holidays on “St. Louis on the Air” and in our web posts.

"St. Louis on the Air" discusses issues and concerns facing the St. Louis area. The show is produced by Mary EdwardsAlex Heuer and Kelly Moffitt and hosted by veteran journalist Don Marsh. Follow us on Twitter and join the conversation at @STLonAir.

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Kelly Moffitt joined St. Louis Public Radio in 2015 as an online producer for St. Louis Public Radio's talk shows St. Louis on the Air.