The Vespiary Book Binding & Book Conservation

I just quickly wanted to share a unique archive with you on this day of remembrance.

StoryCorps is an independent nonprofit project whose mission is to honor and celebrate one another’s lives through listening.

By recording the stories of our lives with the people we care about, we experience our history, hopes, and humanity. Since 2003, tens of thousands of everyday people have interviewed family and friends through StoryCorps. Each conversation is recorded on a free CD to take home and share, and is archived for generations to come at the Library of Congress. Millions listen to our award-winning broadcasts on public radio and the Internet. StoryCorps is one of the largest oral history projects of its kind, creating a growing portrait of who we really are as Americans.

StoryCorps is trying to get at least one story for each of those lost on September 11th.  In an interview on Democracy Now, founder Dave Isay said that collecting these stories was an attempt to get back to the days of grace that prevailed in New York City in the days just following the attacks.  It’s a remarkable act of peace and understanding and a touching memorial.  I’ve listened to a few of the stories, and hope you take a moment to do the same.

Copies of the recordings will ultimately be housed at the Library of Congress’ American Folklife Center and the future National September 11th Memorial Museum. 

Ubi sunt qui ante nos fuerunt? - Where are those who were before us?