Belmont Story Project

The Belmont Story Project (BSP) is a local, oral-history recording project, modeled after NPR’s StoryCorps. This project collects the stories of the people of Belmont. The topic can have to do with raising your kids, your work life, a funny story–whatever you decide. Whether you’ve lived here for six months, or six decades, your story matters, and we’d love to add your voice to the collection.

Get Inspired

Listen to audio recordings in the Belmont Story Project and NPR’s StoryCorps. Short on time? Listen to this brief interview clip.

Prepare to Record Your Story

Choose a friend or family member you’d like to interview, or have interview you. If you need help finding an interviewer, see “Finding an Interviewer” below.

Select Your Questions. See our Top Five Favorite Belmont related questions, and our Top Five Favorite General questions (suggested by StoryCorps).

You’ll want to arrive with 3-5 main questions selected, knowing that your interviewer will be asking follow up questions too. Interviewers and interviewees may want to select the main questions together, so that you are sure to cover the topics you most want to discuss.

For even more ideas, see our complete list of Belmont-related History Questions, as well as the complete list of sample questions from StoryCorps. These StoryCorps questions include ones on friendship, family, growing up, love, work, war, remembering a loved one, and more.

This printable Belmont Story Project Handbook, includes sample questions and helpful tips.

Make an Appointment

To schedule your interview at the Belmont Media Center, contact Jeff Hansell, [email protected]. To schedule your interview at the Belmont Public Library, contact Library staff at [email protected], or 617-993-2870.

Still Have Questions?

If you would like more information about BSP, contact Reference and Local History Librarian Logan Manchester at [email protected], or call Library Staff at 617-993-2870.

Finding An Interviewer

If you would like help finding an interviewer, contact Belmont Citizen-Herald and WickedLocal Belmont editor, Joanna Tzouvelis at [email protected]. Note: You can also volunteer to become one of our interviewers, with training provided.

Sponsorship

BSP is presented by the Belmont Council on Aging, Belmont Historical Society, Belmont Media Center, Belmont Public Library and the Belmont Citizen-Herald.

Did You Know?

Research suggests that having a strong family narrative can help children cope with life’s challenges. See The Stories that Bind Us, in the New York Times online.

Quarantine Journal – 2020

We’ve just added a new facet to the project, capturing your experience of the Great Pandemic and Quarantine of 2020. Please use our Quarantine Journal form to document what your life is like right now.

Recording Sessions in Action

Image of two women sitting near a microphone

Recording at the Belmont Public Library

Image of two men sitting at a microphone.

Recording at the Belmont Media Center

Save