"Memories of Sharon Springs"
The Sharon Historical Society is working on a new book entitled, “Memories of Sharon Springs.” This book will feature stories and memories of Sharon Springs through the voices of those who know it best - our residents, both past and present. We believe that these personal stories form the backbone of our collective history, and we're excited to share these personal, social, historic, funny, and heartfelt tales with everyone. Saving these memories ensures that valuable stories won’t fade away over time and allows these stories and memories to be preserved for future generations.
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Your memories matter!
Memories are more than just stories; they are invaluable resources that connect us to our past. By saving these memories, we ensure that the vibrant history of Sharon Springs is not lost to time. Instead, it is preserved for future generations, allowing them to understand and appreciate the experiences of everyday people who have shaped our community.
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Preserves Diverse Perspectives: These stories and memories of Sharon Springs let us hear from individuals that might otherwise be overlooked or forgotten.
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Personal Connections: Listening to someone share their story brings a powerful personal touch.
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Cultural Preservation: Many customs, traditions, and languages have been passed down through generations. Capturing these stories helps preserve cultural heritage and identity, ensuring that future generations can learn from and appreciate their heritage.
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How to Participate
All Sharon Springs residents, both past and present, have a story to tell, and we want to hear yours. We invite you to contribute your stories to this meaningful project. Here’s how you can get involved:
Reflect on Your Memories: Think back to the moments that stand out from your time in Sharon Springs. These could be significant events, everyday occurrences, or personal anecdotes that have stayed with you.
Read Through the list of Interview Questions: A list of interview questions can be found on our website by clicking here. Reading through this list of questions will help bring back memories and will serve as a guide for you.
Participating in a Live Interview: We can arrange to interview you live, either in person or via Zoom. Just let us know that you would like to be interviewed, and we will contact you to make interview arrangements with you. This would be the preferred way to capture your stories so we can preserve them in a video format as well as written content.
Write Down Your Story: If you would prefer not to do a live interview, you can download the Interview Questions and respond to them. Please try to answer as many questions as possible. If you prefer, you can also draft your memory in a clear and engaging manner. Don’t worry about perfection; focus on authenticity and the essence of your experience.
Submit Your Story or Interview Questions: Once you complete the Interview Questions or write your story, you can submit it to the Sharon Historical Society. You can do this via email, mail, or drop it off in person. Be sure to include your contact information so we can follow up if needed.
Share Photographs or Artifacts: If you have any photographs or artifacts that accompany your story, consider sharing them as well. These can enrich your narrative and provide a visual context for your memories. Visual elements help bring personal stories to life, offering readers a deeper connection to the experiences you're describing.
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When selecting photographs or artifacts to include with your narrative, look for items that:
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Capture a specific moment or emotion
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Illustrate a key detail from your story
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Provide historical or cultural context
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Showcase personal connections or transformations
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These visual elements can range from old family photos and personal mementos to historical documents, letters, or significant objects that hold special meaning. Each artifact tells a part of your story that words alone might not fully convey.
Guidelines for Submission
Length: Stories should be concise, ideally between 500 and 1,500 words.
Format: Submissions can be handwritten or typed. If handwritten, please ensure the text is legible.
Content: We are interested in a variety of stories, whether they are historical, humorous, touching, or all of the above.
Contact Information
For questions or to submit your story, please contact the Sharon Historical Society at:
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Email: sharonhistoricalsocietyny@gmail.com
Phone: (518-860-5513
Address: Sharon Historical Society
PO Box 363
Sharon Springs, NY 13459
Join Us in Preserving Our History
By participating in this project, you are helping to document the stories of everyday people, ensuring that their history is preserved and celebrated. We look forward to reading your stories and sharing them with the community. Together, let's create a tapestry of memories that reflects the true spirit of Sharon Springs. These stories will be preserved in a beautiful book that celebrates the impact that living in Sharon Springs has had on the lives of our community. Copies of the book will be proudly displayed in the library and available to individuals through the Sharon Historical Society for optional purchase.