Since the beginning of time, storytelling has been used to explain our existence, preserve cultural history, and honor our ancestors. The telling of these oral histories is essential in order to preserve their inherent lessons for future generations.

Robin A. Edgar, local writer, author, and reminiscence workshop facilitator, will be recording stories about how families in Polk County survived during the Great Depression. She will then share these stories in a bi-weekly column for the Bulletin called Personal Legacies: Surviving the Great Depression to raise the awareness of and inspire members of the community with their keys to survival and the lessons learned by those who lived during those hard times.

Laurel Hurst has agreed to partner with Robin A. Edgar to host monthly sessions to gather stories about how families in Polk County survived during the Great Depression.

The first session at Laurel Hurst, across from St. Luke’s Hospital in Columbus, is Tuesday, July 1 from 1-3 p.m. Anyone whose family lived in Polk County during 1929 to 1939, and has something to share about what life was like during those times, is welcome to attend.

Light refreshments will be provided, compliments of Capital Senior Living.

Edgar facilitated a similar project in Charlotte. Her research culminated in a year-long museum exhibit, a book, and a PBS documentary, all entitled the “Personal Legacies: Surviving the Great Depression in Charlotte/Mecklenburg 1929 to 1939.”

For more information on how to participate on July 1 from 1 to 3 pm, please contact Robin Edgar at 2robinedgar@gmail.com or call Laurel Hurst at 828-894-8290.