Page 42 - Storytelling - Storylistening

X. Publish or Perish: “I, Witness to History” Preserves Residents’ Life Stories in Race with Final Deadline
Unlocking History
The frustration of seeing not only language, but also historically significant life stories suddenly lost forever led to the founding of IWH.
Like the resident who died unexpectedly without recording how a last minute change of plans kept him off the ill-fated Hindenburg; and another who fell into severe dementia before recounting his critical role in a little- known but intriguing story behind Truman Capote’s masterpiece, In Cold Blood.
Residents still living and mentally sharp told riveting tales of the Great Depression, the 1930s Dust Bowl and World War II – eyewitness accounts that could soon be lost forever.
“What is so interesting is you get many different views of the same event...you begin to realize that it’s not monolithic like in the history books,” says Asla.
Having just developed a new web site for Larksfield Place, he realized using it to post elders’ stories could help preserve history and attract broader readership to the site and new residents to the retirement community. Residents were enthusiastic and became involved as authors and volunteers, helping IWH evolve into a professional, nationally recognized program. Private donations and publishing fees fund the operation.
Porch Swing SeriesTM Culture Change Workbooks ©Action Pact, Inc.2005-2006 p.38