As VA250 commemorates the anniversary of the American Revolution and the founding of our nation, the Commission is inviting people across the Commonwealth to share stories, reflections and perspectives. The goal is to create a more complete story of Virginia — past and present.
VA250 has partnered with Share More Stories to help engage Virginians through their stories and is using their SEEQ platform to power this experience (SEEQ stands for Stories to Engage, Explore and Question). At the end of the Commemoration, VA250 will provide the collection of stories to the Library of Virginia for archival purposes.
Participants are invited to share stories using the following three themes as prompts: Untold Histories, Freedom and Community Today and the Meaning of Independence. The initiative is designed to deepen engagement with Virginia’s story, elevate untold and undertold histories, and ensure the Commemoration reflects the diversity of Virginia’s people, places and experiences.
“Many voices have shaped Virginia’s story, and they still do,” said James Warren, founder and CEO of Share More Stories. “Whether your story comes from family history, community memory, cultural identity, service, or personal reflection, your voice can help shape a fuller picture of what freedom, community, and independence mean today.”
“If you’ve ever felt that an important story about Virginia has gone unheard or that history means something personal in your life, family, or community, this is an opportunity to share it,” said Carly Fiorina, national honorary chair of VA250. “I encourage all Virginians to connect with relatives and friends, and participate in this exciting initiative. With your help, we can engage with every community to tell a complete story, ultimately helping us form the more perfect union envisioned by the Revolutionary generation.”
Participants can share stories anonymously. The SEEQ platform offers two ways to contribute: record an audio reflection in your own voice or share via a guided written storytelling experience. While some stories may be shared publicly (only with permission), the majority of the stories shared through this process will be used to shape how Virginia tells its own story.
More information, FAQ’s and instructions for submitting stories can be found at sharemorestories.com/va250-storytelling-initiative.
VA250 Commission
