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Stories of Elders | How Tech Changed America

I traveled 12,000 miles across America to talk to our oldest living citizens about how tech changed everything.
I traveled 12,000 miles across America to talk to our oldest living citizens about how tech changed everything.
Follow along!
88 backers pledged $5,080 to help bring this project to life.
Rewards Campaign FAQ 2 Updates 45 Comments 9 Community
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The Documentary has Dropped! (Plus TEDx & Reddit AMA)

Hello all.

I hope you are well.  This is an exciting moment for the Stories of Elders project.  The documentary is finally live and sharable online!  Here is the link.... Read more

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Hardcover and Paperback now available!

Hello!

We're ten days away from the Book Release Party and I can hardly wait!  Several elders have already RSVP'd and will be signing the book with me at the... Read more

Cover Art, PreSale, & Release Party, oh my!

 It's finally here!!!  I hope you like the cover art!  After a LOT of back and forth, I'm very pleased.  The inside design is also coming along very nicely.

PreSale... Read more

Please Vote for Stories of Elders at SXSW!

Hi everyone.

As we're drawing nearer to presale (yes that's what I said!) and release of this fine book which you all have so generously helped make a reality, I... Read more

Recording the Audiobook

I've been in the studio for a few weeks, now, recording the audiobook.  It's an adventure - one that I don't feel is my forte.  Still, it is a necessary... Read more

Cover Options are Here!

Hello all!

I'm delighted to invite you to help with the first round of cover options for the book.  I have posted them on Facebook and you can find them... Read more

We have a publisher!

Hello to my amazing Backers!

I am extremely proud and excited to announce that "Stories of Elders: What the Greatest Generation Knows About Technology That You Don't" now has a... Read more

Editing, editing, editing.

I've been working on editing nearly every day since mid-July.  The book is over 70,000 words long, and getting longer with these edits.  I can't wait to present you with... Read more

Second Draft Complete!!!

Today I hit a major milestone. After a self-imposed writers retreat weekend and two early mornings​ since, I have finished the second draft (the first digital draft) of the book.... Read more

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Ever Wondered How They Developed Spy Satellites?

 

Hi everyone!

I'm writing the second draft of the chapter about Weapons and just loved the talk I had with Edwin Gould.  He engineered the first spy satellites... Read more

How we're losing our humanity - new podcast episode.

 

Hello all!

As I dive in to the second draft of the book, I must transcribe excerpts from the interviews.  This presents the perfect opportunity to restart the podcast!... Read more

First Draft Done!

 As you can see, I'm stoked. It took a lot to get this far, and I'm excited for round two.  I found a LGBTQ-identifying elder to interview, and have a... Read more

1 Comment 2 likes

The Documentary Will Be Made

For backers only

Grand Rapids Magazine

Wahoo!  The book was mentioned in the June issue of Grand Rapids Magazine!  Buy one while you can.  They're going like hotcakes (all because of the book, of course...).  Or... Read more

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New Article! Whee!

HerStry has posted a new article about the book!  Read it!  Love it!  It's so great...  (partly because I wrote it...  :O)

http://herstryblg.com/blog/2016/4/20/qd6rkhvv9igya5184ep7n0c5eno4io

Family Kits are Here!

Last week I launched the pilot program for the Family Interview Kit.  As you know, I value diversity a LOT and it's critical to both the project and book's ability... Read more

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Beginning the Book

Well, folks, it has been a heck of a journey.  I got home early December, had a little time to decompress before crashing into the holiday, and finally have come... Read more

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Thought You All Would Love to Meet This Sister

Hi everyone!

I'm in New York City, on my way to Rhode Island tomorrow.  From there, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Eastern New York, and then *drumroll* home!

I'd like for you... Read more

Video Update TODAY

Sorry it's so late!

Today at NOON CST I will be doing a live video update on Periscope.  Download the app on your phone and tune in to ask me... Read more

Hope Meadows

I just wrapped up at Hope Meadows in Rantoul, IL. This is the first Generations of Hope location, partnering seniors with foster families. The elders are amazing, and there was... Read more

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Leaving Tomorrow!!!

I leave tomorrow!  First, onward to Detroit to interview 93-year-old twins.  Stay tuned for the launch of the Podcast, videos taken on a donated GoPro, and way, way more!!!

2 Comments 3 likes

A quick update

Hi all!

Sorry for being quiet. I just sent out an eBlast with the latest plans. I suggest subscribing to the email list so you don't miss anything after I... Read more

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Successfully raised $5,080 with 88 backers

We did it!!!

And Kickstarter didn't even notify me. But there are two stretch goals and Alaska and Hawaii are waiting. Please make these last two days a final push toward those goals.

5 likes

Fantastic Blog Post about the Project!

Check it out!  This morning we were featured in the HerStry blog.  Not only is this exciting, it features the first draft of the introduction for the BOOK!  I can't... Read more

1 like

Kay McComb, 94, of Grand Rapids

This is Kay.  She's 94, living at Villa Maria in Grand Rapids.  We found her on accident - I was looking for another Kay (who'd left us a rescheduling message... Read more

1 like

Let your voice be heard!

You've made it clear you believe in this project - you backed it!  With four days to go, let's make a roar so others know it, too.

Use that smartphone... Read more

Home Stretch

We just passed the $4k mark, with six days to go. Remember this is all-or-nothing -- now is the time to share like crazy.

To update you on the project:... Read more

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New Hampshire!

I was introduced, yesterday, to two gentlemen who live in New Hampshire and are WWII hobbyists.  They have met many veterans, and have agreed to introduce me when I get... Read more

Iowa just hit the Map!

Some of the middle states have been really hard for me to network to.  I  just don't have many friends living there.  But today, a friend connected me to her... Read more

Inside Scoop: Why Publish?

I'm posting this video at 2pm, today, making you guys the first to see it!  In this Inside Scoop video, I describe why I strongly believe that publishing this work... Read more

We're a Staff Pick!!!

I don't usually post two updates in one day, but...

We're a Staff Pick!!!  This means that the project has been liked by Kickstarter, and they find it so inspiring... Read more

1 Comment 2 likes

Let's Talk Stretch Goals

What are Stretch Goals?
Stretch goals are additional levels of funding that provide the project with a greater ability to function (in this case, get to the islands and territories).... Read more

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We're a Nonprofit - what!?

Last week I filed the papers to make Untold Stories a nonprofit - and we were approved!!! So much more is in the works. Get ready folks, this is getting... Read more

3 likes

Halfway!!!

We made it!  Halfway funded at the halfway point.  Whew!

It's not over yet - keep hustlin'.  Send the link out to your friends and tell them why you backed... Read more

Hawaii is now on the map!!!

I am so excited to say that Hawaii is now on the map!!!  I got a yes today from the family.  

The caveat, however, is that we MUST be... Read more

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Shelley Irwin Interview

Just before the Launch Party, I spoke with Shelley Irwin on the WGVU morning show.  I hate my voice, but am excited about the press.  Here's the link:  http://wgvunews.org/post/untold-stories-project

Keep... Read more

Free Dinner!

We're coming up on the halfway point.  If the project isn't half funded by then, it will be really hard for the campaign to end successfully.  

Thus, I've decided... Read more

Detroit

This week I completed my 33rd interview.  I also got a yes from TWINS in Detroit!  My plan is to head that way in the coming weeks, so if you... Read more

More press!

Yesterday the project was featured in Rapid Growth Media's Innovation News.  The link is in the Press section of the project, and can also be viewed here:  http://www.rapidgrowthmedia.com/innovationnews/0827untold.aspx

Share the... Read more

2 likes

Meet Dot + new Inside Scoop

Dot Hornsby is one of the coolest women I know (though I think that of most of the elders... ).  Her husband died suddenly in the 90's.  To cope, she... Read more

The entire state of California is on the map!

I know that sounds lofty, so let me clarify.  The School of Continuing Education out of Orange County is on board, and will refer elders throughout the state of California... Read more

1 like

New Inside Scoop Video - Stories I'm Finding

I was asked what kinds of stories I'm looking for.  Really, I can't say, anymore - the people I've talked with have blown my socks off every time.  There's no... Read more

We broke $1k! And put Philly on the map.

This morning I was pleasantly greeted by the campaign having broken $1k.  That's a huge leap - 20% of the initial goal, 10% of the total. Thank you!

Late yesterday... Read more

New Locations!

Phoenix, AZ and Madison, WI just hit the map!

If you haven't seen the map of people I will interview once I kick off the national journey, you should take... Read more

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Launch Party

The launch party was phenomenal.  We had three elders at the event, and seven amazing sponsors who made giving even more exciting!  Thank you to everyone who leapt toward the... Read more

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Project launched