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Tell Me a Story Oral History Projects

Oral history is an important part of genealogy and local history. It connects the living to those who have gone before us and shines a light on the stories that help reveal their character.

Tell Me a Story is a Mid-Continent Public Library initiative that provides the ability to record and preserve memories, stories, and living history of residents in the Kansas City metro area.

Stream Local Oral Histories

Coming Home to Zion

Listen to stories of people with a spiritual connection to Independence, MO.

Family Stories

Families share stories about their history and genealogy.

Bowling and Segregation

A group of bowlers remember playing in the mid-20th Century.

Kansas City Chiefs

Independence students interviewed Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks Alex Smith, Joel Stave, and Tyler Bray.

Generation Exchange

A collection of inter-generational recordings in partnership with The Story Center.

Veterans Salute

Stories from American veterans.

40 Years of Monday Night Football

Stories about one group's years of tradition.

Browse All Collections

Browse MGC's full collection of oral histories.

How do I record a story at MGC or by using Tell Me a Story Kits?

The Tell Me a Story initiative is a free service provided by the Midwest Genealogy Center.

Record an oral history at the Midwest Genealogy Center

Those interested in recording an oral history are asked to call 816.252.7228 and make an appointment. During your appointment, a trained oral history technician will help you get set up and  will record your interview. We recommend having no more than 3 people participate in each recording.

Record an oral history at home

If you are unable to travel to MGC or want to record someone who is homebound, we also offer kits that can be checked out. Each kit comes with a recording device, instructions, and sample questions. You can request a kit by putting it on hold in our online catalog to be checked out at MGC or sent to your nearest MCPL location.

Need some help getting conversations started for your oral history recording session?

Bi-Folkal kits can help jump-start the conversation whether it is held at MGC, your home, a senior center, or other location?  Kits have two focuses--"remembering" and "sharing" and include everything you need; multi-media, multi-sensory resources focused on one broad universal theme--decades, seasons, work, pets, and more. Simply choose your kit and check it out in conjunction with an oral history kit. Check this listing of our Bi-Folkal kits

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