StoryCorps coming to Flagstaff

StoryCorps, the oral history of America program that airs on National Public Radio, is coming to Flagstaff.

A StoryCorps MobileBooth is traveling West and will locate in Flagstaff March 9 through April 2 to document the everyday history and unique stories of the people who live here.

Anyone interested in securing an interview slot can make a reservation beginning at 10 a.m. Feb. 23 on www.storycorps.net. Half the reservations will open on Feb. 23, and the second half will open Feb. 24. A $10 donation is requested. The StoryCorps MobileBooth, a specially outfitted Airstream trailer, will be located near City Hall at Wheeler Park.

At the StoryCorps MobileBooth, participants record in pairs—oftentimes friends or loved ones—and one person interviews the other. A trained facilitator guides the participants through the interview process and handles the recording. At the end of a 45-minute session, the participants will walk away with a CD of their interview. With their permission, a second copy will be sent to the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.

KNAU, Arizona Public Radio located on the NAU campus, is partnering with StoryCorps MobileBooth on its Flagstaff visit. KNAU will air some of the local stories, and select stories will air nationally on NPR's Morning Edition.

"KNAU is excited to partner with StoryCorps to record some of the fascinating people and stories from our community. It's impressive to think that the voices of Flagstaff will become part of America's oral history," said John Stark, KNAU general manager.

"Over the past six months traveling across the U.S., we've seen the profound effect StoryCorps has had on the lives not only of those who have participated in the project, but also on the millions who have heard them," said Dave Isay, creator of StoryCorps and MacArthur "Genius" Grant recipient.

This is the second StoryCorps MobileBooth national tour. The western leg of this tour includes stops in Los Angeles, San Diego, Austin and New Orleans, besides Flagstaff. The eastern portion of the tour includes the cities of Tampa, Miami, Atlanta, Raleigh/Durham and Washington, D.C.