About the Project
Oakwood is one of Raleigh, North Carolina’s oldest neighborhoods and the first neighborhood in the state of North Carolina to receive “historic” designation. Over its 140 year history, Oakwood has gone through tremendous change.
In 2010, when another life-long resident passed away, the neighborhood lamented that we had never captured her story. This project originated from that desire: to capture the important stories of cherished neighbors before they were gone.
As it has evolved, this project has grown into something much more: a way to recognize and celebrate the individuals who have been important in Oakwood’s evolution; a way to learn and teach history; and a way to build and strengthen the connections in our community.
To date, more than eighty residents and students have participated–by conducting an interview or being interviewed, digitizing old photographs, taking portraits, transcribing interviews, editing audio, and conducting research. The result: a series of stories that bind us.
This project receives support from the Society for the Preservation of Historic Oakwood.