CAMDEN – StoryCorps, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to recording, preserving and sharing the stories of Americans from all backgrounds and beliefs, recently visited Lourdes Health System as part of its Door-to-Door Program.
Organizations across the country have used Door-to-Door recording sessions to celebrate anniversaries and milestones. This year marks the 60th anniversary of a Lourdes Health System hospital: Our Lady of Lourdes Medical in Camden.
StoryCorps recorded 18 stories from Lourdes board members, physicians, nurses and associates. Excerpts of these sessions are memorialized as podcasts on Lourdes’ website (www.lourdesnet.org/news/storycorps.php).
“Through StoryCorps, we were able to capture and record the words of the people who make Lourdes Health System such a dynamic community force in Southern New Jersey,” says Alexander J. Hatala, president and chief executive officer of Lourdes Health System.
“These excerpts share the power of ‘Lourdes stories’ and connect the community and world with the quality and depth of the individuals who serve our organization,” he said.
Hatala participated in one of interview sessions, along with Board Chairman Michael F. Camardo.
StoryCorps interviews are conducted between two people who know and care about each other. A trained StoryCorps facilitator guides the participants through the interview process.
At the end of each 40-minute recording session, participants receive a complimentary CD copy of their interview. With their permission, a second copy is archived at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. Segments of select interviews may also air nationally on NPR’s Morning Edition.
Founded in 2003 by award-winning documentary producer and MacArthur “Genius” Grant recipient Dave Isay, StoryCorps aims to create a growing portrait of the American people. By traveling to every corner of the country, StoryCorps currently has one of the largest collections of American voices ever gathered, with interviews collected from more than 60,000 Americans in all 50 states.
“StoryCorps tells the true American story — that we are a people defined by small acts of courage, kindness and heroism. Each interview reminds people that their lives matter and will not be forgotten,” said Isay. “By strengthening connections between people and building an archive that reflects the rich diversity of American voices, we hope to build StoryCorps into an enduring institution that will touch the lives of every American family.”
In addition to two traveling MobileBooths, StoryCorps currently operates stationary recording booths at Foley Square in New York City, at Atlanta’s public radio station WABE-FM, and at the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco.
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”