Story Corps

Awed by the historical power of the recordings made by Works Progress Administration folklorists and writers who toured the country in the 1930's and 1940's, Dave Isay started the non-profit StoryCorps in 2003 to gather the stories of everyday Americans.

The idea caught on, and StoryCorps has become one of the fastest growing US non-profits.

Anyone can make an appointment at a StoryCorps recording booth, bringing along a loved one. A StoryCorps facilitator guides the 40-minute interview. Some suggested questions: What was your happiest moment? What are you most proud of? Is there anything you've always wanted to tell me? The fact that the two people are already connected makes for unguarded, intimate conversations with riveting results.

At the end of the session, a CD of it is given to the participants. Another CD - if the participant approves - goes to an archive at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.

Though StoryCorps asks for $10 as a suggested donation for a session, its costs more than $250 t0 record each interview.

www.storycorps.net