WGVU brings StoryCorps to Grand Rapids

Area residents will have the opportunity to record their stories when the StoryCorps MobileBooth comes to Grand Rapids August 8.

The MobileBooth, an Airstream trailer outfitted with a recording studio, will be parked at the Grand Rapids Art Museum August 8-September 5. The Grand Rapids Mobile Tour stop is made possible by WGVU Public Media and in part through support of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

StoryCorps is a national nonprofit organization that records, preserves and shares the stories of people from all backgrounds and beliefs.

An opening event will be held at the Grand Rapids Art Museum August 8 at 11:30 a.m.

A trained StoryCorps facilitator will guide participants through the interview process. Interviews are conducted between two people who know and care about each other. At the end of each 40-minute recording session, participants will receive a complimentary copy of their interview. With permission, a second copy will be archived at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.

WGVU Public Media 88.5 FM and 95.3 FM will air a selection of local interviews and create special programs around the project. Segments of select interviews may also air nationally on NPR’s Morning Edition.

“WGVU Public Media is very excited to host StoryCorps in Grand Rapids this summer,” said Michael T. Walenta, WGVU Public Media general manager. “This national project is a great opportunity for friends and family to record and share their stories with one another leaving a lasting legacy.”

To record a story in Grand Rapids, call 1-800-850-4406 or visit www.storycorps.org.

StoryCorps was founded in 2003 by award-winning documentary producer Dave Isay.