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 45,000 interviews with nearly 90,000 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, and millions listen to our weekly broadcasts on NPR’s Morning Edition and on our Listen pages.
We do this 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. At the same time, we will create an invaluable archive of American voices and wisdom for future generations.
In the coming years we will build StoryCorps into an enduring institution that will touch the lives of every American family.
Statement of Principles
- StoryCorps is built on an uncompromising commitment to excellence across all aspects of the project, from collecting, sharing, and preserving people’s stories; to organizational management; to maintaining an extraordinary work environment where respect and dignity are paramount.
- The interview session is at the heart of StoryCorps. We treat participants with the utmost respect, care, and dignity.
- StoryCorps has a relentless focus on serving a wide diversity of participants.
- StoryCorps is a public service.
Videos
Book Tour
Watch Dave Isay as he explains the StoryCorps experience while on the Listening Is an Act of Love book tour.
