Let's hear YOUR story!

An iOS application from the Smithsonian, "Stories from Main Street" collects stories about small-town American life. The app is an important tool in developing the Smithsonian's Oral Histories archive and collection and is a fun but important way for people to "get themselves into the Smithsonian!" Use your smartPhone to record your story about the American experience OR, listen to other stories from people just like you, across the United States.

Selected stories from the application will be featured on this website and on the Smithsonian's social media channels! Help us document the rich history of America’s small towns with stories that exemplify the excitement, diversity, and creativity of their citizens. The Smithsonian wants to hear from you!

To generate grassroots engagement, MoMS works in close collaboration with state humanities councils and more than 900 institutions in rural towns across the nation. For these communities (with an average population of 8,000), the opportunity to host the Smithsonian provides much more than a quality educational experience. Through highly targeted community programs and creative activities, MoMS exhibitiosn become a hub for storytelling and local pride. Residents enthusiastically engage with exhibition content, as diverse community members come together to share and celebrate their heritage.