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Memoir Writing Project

Countless unique stories are brimming in the hearts and minds of elderly people throughout the City of Boston. The Memoir Project, a joint venture between The City of Boston and Grub Street Writers, Inc., aims to capture these stories systematically and over an extended length of time by teaching elderly residents the rudiments of memoir writing. Learning these skills will give seniors a practical and meaningful way to turn memories into coherent narratives with lasting value. By capturing stories of elderly residents, we intend to document the living history of Boston and, by doing so, provide a greater understanding of the city's past and present for all its residents.

Loves A Gamble

In the City of Boston, we see unique opportunities to capture stories at three levels:

Neighborhoods

Elderly people who have grown up together in a neighborhood have a unique perspective on the history and development of their locality. The Memoir Project will help document the changes that have occurred in neighborhoods throughout Boston.

Families

Family life forms the basis of any city. Family businesses have been especially important in the development of Boston, from early growth during the 18th and 19th centuries in textiles and footwear, to restaurants, light manufacturing, retail, and apparel. The Memoir Project will capture these stories in a powerful and important way.

Individual Citizens

A final key aspect of telling the story of Boston is capturing the way individual citizens relate to each other and to their city. The Memoir Project will give voice to people who may not have been heard before because they have been isolated, or because they have not had the time or skills or motivation to express their opinions.

For more information on this project:

Please call Commissioner Eliza Greenberg or Tula Mahl at the Boston Elderly Commission at 617-635-4366.

The Memoir Writing Project has successfully produced two wonderful books about Boston's seniors.

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