These are the most frequently asked questions we receive about conducting a StoryCorps interview. You may also want to see our
StoryCorps FAQs, which has answers to questions about StoryCorps as an
organization.
What is StoryCorps?
We are an independent nonprofit whose mission is to honor and
celebrate one another’s lives through listening. Since 2003, tens of
thousands of everyday people have interviewed family and friends
through StoryCorps. Each conversation is recorded on a free CD to take
home and share. A second copy is archived at the Library of Congress.
Selected stories are broadcast via NPR’s Morning Edition and News &
Notes, podcasts, and on our website. StoryCorps is the largest oral
history project of its kind, creating a growing portrait of who we
really are as Americans.
When should I come?
Make a reservation whenever you feel moved to record your story by calling 646-723-7027. View a schedule of availability or make a reservation online.
StoryCorps regularly conducts interviews at our two soundproof booths in New York City, one in Grand Central Terminal and one in Lower Manhattan at Foley Sqaure. We also have two mobile recording booths that travel the country. All StoryCorps StoryBooths are designed to be safe, quiet, comfortable spaces where participants can talk and listen to each other.
Where are the StoryBooths?
Please visit our StoryBooth schedule.
How long is the interview?
The interview process takes about an hour. Recording time is 40 minutes.
Who should I bring as my interview partner?
You can bring anyone with whom you feel comfortable - for example, a friend, relative, or co-worker. You may be the interviewer or the storyteller, or you and your partner can interview each other. If you prefer to come alone, a StoryCorps facilitator will interview you.
Can more than two people participate in one interview?
The recording booth is small. Although a two-person interview is ideal and most comfortable, exceptions certainly can be made. Additionally, if you would like another person to listen to the interview as it is happening, there is headphone access outside the recording booth, inside the waiting room.
Can I have more than one interview session?
We invite you to participate in as many interviews as you would like.
How can I prepare for my interview?
StoryCorps sessions are designed to be natural conversations. Your interview doesn’t have to be perfect and is not meant to be rehearsed. However, we encourage interviewers to prepare a list of questions beforehand. A list of suggested questions is available on our website to help you get started. Some storytellers prefer to know in advance the questions they might be asked during the interview; others prefer not to know.
In my session, can I read something I have written about my loved one or my experience?
You are welcome to read something you have prepared. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to do a StoryCorps interview, and you can read something if you choose. However, we do encourage you to keep in mind that StoryCorps sessions are designed to be conversations.
What does the facilitator do during the session?
The facilitator is present with you and your partner throughout the entire interview process and handles all technical aspects of the recording.
Who are the facilitators?
Facilitators come from a variety of backgrounds and are good, thoughtful listeners. They are not trained or licensed therapists. They are present to help you have a comfortable and meaningful interview experience.
Will my interview be donated to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum and the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress?
You can choose whether or not to have your interview donated to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum and the Library of Congress. If you do not wish for your interview to be made available to the public, we will give you all copies of the recording.
Will my story be broadcast for the public to hear?
With permission from the participants, a few of the thousands of stories we collect may be broadcast on website or via NPR. We are a very small nonprofit and do not have the capacity to edit all of the interviews we record. The most important aspect of the project is the interview experience itself.
How can I share the recording with others?
Please feel free to make copies of your interview for your friends and family. If you need assistance, FedEx Kinko’s can provide copies of your CD for a modest price.
How much does it cost to participate in StoryCorps?
We offer this service free of charge to those affected by September 11th. If you wish, you may give a voluntary, tax-deductible donation to help offset our costs.
How can I participate if I don’t live near a StoryBooth?
Our two MobileBooths are traveling the country, collecting the stories of Americans in towns and cities nationwide. Please see our MobileBooth tour schedule to check our current and future MobileBooth locations. MobileBooth tours are scheduled in six-month intervals, so keep checking to see if we will be in your area.
StoryCorps also has recording packages available for rent as part of our StoryKit program. This service allows you to conduct an interview on your own. Please contact us about participating in this program.
