StoryCorps in Jackson
WHAT IS STORYCORPS?
The StoryCorps mission is to preserve and share humanity’s stories in order to build connections between people and create a more just and compassionate world. Each week, the StoryCorps podcast shares these unscripted conversations, revealing the wisdom, courage, and poetry in the words of people you might not notice walking down the street.
This is to remind ourselves of our shared humanity, to strengthen and build the connections between people, to teach the value of listening, and to weave into the fabric of our culture the understanding that everyone’s story matters. At the same time, StoryCorps creates an invaluable archive for future generations.
WHY JACKSON?
When Wyoming Public Media “sold” the producers on Jackson and the area, they were told that Jackson is not just the story of the rich and famous – something it’s identified with most often. Rather, Jackson has many stories to tell that are hidden and unexpected. It has the stories of the old miners and trappers who came and stayed. It has the stories of a mix of ethnicities – people from all over the world who moved to the area to work and then settled. It has the stories of the transient population – people who come to work in the international tourist industry, contribute to the local economy and culture, but then leave. Jackson also has a proximity to the Wind River Reservation, with an underrepresented culture and stories to tell. All these groups mix in one of the most beautiful places in the world and give the StoryCorps team a chance to unveil a side of the region that often goes unseen. Jackson has many stories, and Wyoming Public Media looks forward to making this a strong Jackson area event that will involve a wide number of individuals and groups that are integral to the Wyoming Community.
HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?
The StoryCorps process requires a wide variety of involvement which allows you to contribute to this project in whichever way works best for you!
Make a Gift
If you’re looking to make a project-focused contribution to Wyoming Public Media, now is the time to do it! With your support, we can ensure the opportunity to spread stories, cultures, and wisdom from Wyoming to listeners all over the world. All donations go directly to the funding of getting the MobileBooth to Jackson. Contact Ry Woody at 307-766-2181 to make a StoryCorps specific contribution.
Become a Corporate Sponsor
By becoming a Corporate Sponsor of the StoryCorps project, you establish your business as a contributor to the sharing of Wyoming stories. Your business or organization will also receive airtime with Wyoming Public Media in exchange for your contribution.
Tell Your Story
Perhaps the most important part of the process is the storytelling. Participants can record with a loved one, family member, or friend and tell us about your mountain adventures, your first kiss, your family history… whatever makes you who you are! Listen to stories online at storycorps.org or on our site under Wyoming Stories.
WHAT OTHER COMMUNITY EVENTS ARE COMING TO JACKSON?
Wyoming Public Media is partnering with the Teton County Public Library to bring The Month of the Story to Jackson this spring. In addition to summer reading programs and events, Wyoming Public Media will host the following evening programs in the Ordway Auditorium at Teton County Public Library:
MAY 24 - What Makes a Good News Story with Bob Beck
Wyoming Public Media News Director Bob Beck hosts a night of listening sessions and discussions centered around public radio news, how it’s made, and what power reporting holds. Join in to hear samplings of hard news, investigative reports, and human-interest pieces and the value they hold in our society.
MAY 30 - The Trials of Wildlife Reporting with Melodie Edwards
Holding down squirming fawns...climbing down cliffs to eagle's nests...getting stuck on a snowmobile in search of wolverines. These are just some of the adventures WPR's Melodie Edwards has embarked on in search of the best sounds of wildlife in Wyoming. Join us for a conversation about why it's important to go to such lengths to tell wildlife and environment stories.
JUNE 6 - The Importance of Storytelling to Native Culture, Past and Present with Darrah Perez
Telling stories from a Native Community is at times difficult, especially when they come from inside the Wind River Reservation. Most Native Community members do not like to be talked about, some even in a good way; it can be considered boasting. Developing partnerships and trust is essential in reporting in Native Community. Darrah will bring her stories of trust development and how to communicate with a healing community.
JUNE 13 - HumaNature: What Makes A Good Podcast with Erin Jones, Caroline Ballard, and Micah Schweizer
The producers of Wyoming Public Media’s award-winning storytelling podcast, HumaNature, explore the elements of what makes a podcast shine. In this multimedia presentation, Caroline Ballard, Erin Jones, and Micah Schweizer will take you behind the scenes of launching and producing a new podcast.
JUNE 21 - StoryCorps Community Listening Event
As the StoryCorps Mobile Tour team’s time in Teton County draws to an end, they invite you to come listen to the stories collected during their stay in this beautiful part of the world. The program will also feature locally produced segments from the Wyoming Public Media news and cultural affairs teams. Come listen to an audible moment in history featuring the diverse and rich cultural makeup of Jackson Hole.
For more information, check out our full information packet here.