Local History Cubed

A futuristic ten-foot stainless steel cube, balanced on its edge, will appear in front lawn of the Nyack Library on October 14.  Librarians, not Martians or abstract artists, are installing the object. Those that open the metallic sides that reflect the sky and surrounding area will find a comfortable, soundproof booth where the oral histories of local residents will be recorded.

The Sound and Story Project created The Cube to collect the stories of everyday people throughout the Hudson Valley. “We’ve always dreamed of collecting stories in our city parks, at library fairs, street festivals or farmer’s markets,” says Sound and Story Director Eileen McAdam. “This fall our dream becomes a reality when The Cube hits the road. Because it can be constructed and dismantled in hours, we’ll be able to travel from town to town recording interviews.”

A program of the World Sound Foundation, the Sound and Story Project of the Hudson Valley is a 501 c3 whose mission is to strengthen community through the power of listening and sharing the stories of the diverse residents of this region. Using original recordings, supplemented by library and museum collections, Sound and Story produces compelling narratives and sounds of the world we inhabit , helping to connect one another and to the places where we live. This growing audio archive is shared through the latest digital technologies and new and traditional media including radio programming, mobile applications, audio tours and web presentations.

The Cube journeys to Nyack on October 14.   From 6-8p we will be asking people:  “What does The Nyack Library mean to you?” Tour The Cube, enjoy refreshments, hear local stories, and learn about your community at this free, family friendly event. On October 16 from 4-6:30p tell us: “How has Nyack changed?”

The Cube will remain at the Nyack Library through October 22. Community members who wish to have their personal stories recorded in The Cube should email bjennings@nyacklibrary.org to reserve their spot. Participants will receive a copy of their story and Hudson River Valley Heritage (hrvh.org) will archive the collected interviews and preserve them for future generations.  The Sound and Story Project will feature stories from The Cube on their new app and online during A Year of Sounds and Stories beginning in January 2014.

Next stop for The Cube is the Somers Historical Society from October 24-28. Visit soundandstory.org and Facebook.com/soundandstory for more information and The Cube’s schedule. This program is funded by the Institute for Museum and Library Services.

For more information about the Sound and Story Project of the Hudson Valley, visit www.soundandstory.org.

See also:

•  The Nyack Library
• The Sound and Story ProjectHudson River Valley Heritage
• Institute of Museum and Library Services