StoryCorps is an independent nonprofit whose mission is to provide Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs with the opportunity to record, share, and preserve the stories of our lives. Since 2003, StoryCorps has collected and archived more than 40,000 interviews from nearly 80,000 participants. Each conversation is recorded on a free CD to share, and is preserved at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. StoryCorps is one of the largest oral history projects of its kind.

StoryCorps began this endeavor to remind one another of our shared humanity, strengthen and build the connections between people, teach the value of listening, and weave into the fabric of our culture the understanding that every life matters. While at the same time, creating an invaluable archive of American voices and wisdom for future generations.

StoryCorps launched the first National Day of Listening in 2008 to encourage families to linger a little longer in the holiday spirit by interviewing a loved one on the day after Thanksgiving. StoryCorps felt strongly that in this time of economic hardship, recording a loved one is the least expensive and most meaningful gift one could give during the holiday season.

Recorded interviews are added to the StoryCorps Archive, housed at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. StoryCorps participants receive a broadcast quality copy of their interview on CD at the end of their session.

To read more about StoryCorps and its many programs, pick up the latest issue of Our USA.

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