The Urban Appalachian Story Gathering Project
About the Project
How it began
In September 2021, the Urban Appalachian Community Coalition (UACC) launched the Story Gathering Project. Members of the UACC community were encouraged to conduct informal interviews with urban Appalachians connected to Cincinnati, Ohio, and beyond. These efforts resulted in a collection of 46 recorded interviews!
Where we’re headed
In 2023, UACC collaborated with A Picture’s Worth to revamp how we gather and present stories. We're thrilled to introduce the refreshed, more accessible format of the Story Gathering Project.
What does family look like to you?
We asked members of the community to share.
Getting Involved
The Urban Appalachian Community Coalition and A Picture’s Worth invite you to participate in paid opportunities to interview folks about their lives, including interviews for UACC’s Kith and Kin Project, focusing on the experiences of Cincinnati-area residents with Appalachian Roots.
You’re invited to our next Kith & Kin Story Gathering Opportunity!
Bring a photo or object that says family to you, and tell your story. This fun, family-friendly event begins at 12:30pm and continues into the evening.
October 6, 2024
Carnegie Center, 3738 Eastern Ave, Cincinnati
Watch Our Video Quilts
When we launched the Story Gathering Project in 2021, our goal was to foster connections among urban Appalachians and build a sense of community, especially during a time when face-to-face meetings were halted. This playlist showcases snippets from interviews—or metaphorical quilt squares—between friends, colleagues, and family members, captured with smartphones and Zoom. Each interview is distinct, yet our 'Video Quilt' project weaves together recurring themes and shared experiences that link many of our participants. These video snippets form 'quilts' that reveal stories about who we are and where we come from.