Savannah, GA, January 16, 2009–The Georgia Historical Society and the Telfair Museum of Art are partnering with Georgia Public Broadcasting and local GPB station WSVH to bring StoryCorps, the nation’s largest oral history project, to Savannah. StoryCorps travels the country, collecting the oral histories of friends and loved ones, one conversation at a time. Since 2003, tens of thousands of everyday people have interviewed family and friends through StoryCorps. The StoryCorps program is regularly heard on radio during NPR’s Morning Edition and News And Notes. 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.

“The heart of StoryCorps is the conversation between two people who are important to each other: a son asking his mother about her childhood, an immigrant telling his friend about coming to America, or a couple reminiscing on their 50th wedding anniversary. By helping people to connect, and to talk about the questions that matter, the StoryCorps experience is powerful and sometimes even life-changing,” says Dave Isay, Award Winning Documentary Producer and Founder of StoryCorps.

“The Georgia Historical Society is proud to support this effort to collect and preserve Georgia’s history,” says Dr. Todd Groce, GHS President and CEO.
Station Manager Eric Nauert, of GPB’s Savannah station WSVH 91.1 FM, appreciates both StoryCorps and the opportunity for people in the coastal community to participate. “Given Savannah’s rich history and colorful characters I think it’s entirely appropriate and exciting that StoryCorps has chosen to spend some time on these cobblestone streets.”

The StoryCorps’ Mobilebooth will be parked at the corner of President and Barnard Streets in Telfair Square from January 27 – February 21, 2009. The Mobilebooth is available by reservation only; reservations can be made by calling 800.850.4406. For information about how you can participate in StoryCorps’ Savannah stop visit www.gpb.org/storycorpssavannah, and for additional information about preparing for an interview visit www.storycorps.net/record-your-story.

The Georgia Historical Society, headquartered in Savannah, is the oldest cultural institution in the state and one of the oldest historical organizations in the nation. It is the first and only statewide historical society in Georgia. For nearly 170 years, GHS has collected, preserved, and shared Georgia history through a variety of educational outreach programs, publications, and research services. For more information visit: www.georgiahistory.com.