Connecting the Past with the Present through Conversation.

Story Bridge is a new initiative from Piscataquis Forward that aims to connect high school students with elderly community members to preserve the living history of our towns through recorded oral interviews. This intergenerational program pairs the energy and technical skills of youth with the irreplaceable memories and experiences of our senior citizens, creating a powerful partnership that benefits everyone involved.

Our elders hold decades of knowledge about how our towns have transformed—the businesses that once lined Main Street, the traditions that shaped community life, the challenges overcome, and the moments of triumph celebrated together. Without intentional preservation, these stories fade with each passing generation. The Story Bridge mission is to ensure that the voices of those who built and shaped our communities are captured in digital format and archived at our town’s historical societies, where they become accessible resources for future generations.

For students, this program offers more than community service hours. They will develop interviewing skills, learn local history firsthand, and form meaningful relationships across generational divides. For seniors, this provides an opportunity to share their legacy and feel valued for their contributions. Together, these generations will create a richer, more complete historical record than any textbook could provide—one that captures the authentic voices, emotions, and perspectives that bring our town’s stories to life.