ABOUT
EVERYONE HAS A STORY. SEIZE THE MOMENT AND TELL YOURS!
ABOUT
South Hadley, where we'll tell our stories, is a "river town" located along the 406-mile-long Connecticut River that flows from Quebec to the Long Island Sound. Evidence of human habitation in the Connecticut River Valley dates back some 6,000 years.
We can only imagine the stories of those who lived before us in the places we now call home. In hearing the voices of our neighbors, we need not imagine.
Every story is unique, and every one offers us a greater understanding of the people around us.
On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress declared the independence of the Thirteen Colonies from rule by the British King and created the United States of America. Please join us in exploring and honoring the many different histories and origin stories that form our country's legacy as we approach our 250th year as a nation.
Whether we were born here or came recently, each of us living in America today has a unique story to tell about our origins and who we are as individuals. Some of us may have Native American ancestry, some may have ancestors who were brought here involuntarily, while others may have roots among early settlers or later immigrant populations who traveled here from around the world, and some may have little or no information about their roots.
Our stories are our own, but each one is a part of the story of this land. Together they form a powerful narrative about our nation, the challenges and joys of our forebears, and who we are now as a people.
On November 7 and 8, 2025, we will tell our stories, in our own voices, for 25+ hours. That's it. The more we learn about the people around us, the better we can better understand each other and appreciate the different qualities and perspectives of our people.
From Friday, November 7 at 5:00pm through the night to Saturday, November 8 at 6:00pm (or later), high school and college students, and adults from all walks of life will give voice to their individual stories.
Students, neighbors, friends, co-workers, elected officials, and others will have an opportunity to come and talk about their roots, their interests, dreams and aspirations, what they believe in and care about, what they hope for, and what they see for the future of our country.
Our Roots, Our Voices is a free, non-partisan, non-sectarian civic event co-hosted in recognition
of the upcoming 250th anniversary of our nation by Center Church, South Hadley DTC,
and an organizing committee made up of local volunteers from area communities
Fellowship Hall
at Center Church
1 Church Street
South Hadley, MA 01075
Enter Fellowship Hall through the ground level side door on Church Street (wheelchair accessible).
The front of the church faces College Street/Route 116.
Save the Dates and Plan to Come!
From Friday, November 7 at 5:00pm
through the night
to Saturday, November 8 at 6:00pm
High school (age 16+) and college students, and adults from all walks of life will give voice to their individual stories. Come and support those you know, take pictures and video, and applaud their efforts. Or, just come to quietly listen to the voices, stories, and perspectives of our neighbors.
This is a live event, and stories can be heard in real time by the people in Fellowship Hall. Participants are encouraged to bring friends and family along and have them take photos and videos to commemorate and celebrate your story.
Participants are scheduled in 15-minute periods; each person will have approximately ten minutes to speak, plus time to get set up, pose for a few photos, and leave the lectern. Those who are unable to participate in person may arrange to have a reader deliver their story, or to provide their story via audio or video.
25+HOURS | AROUND THE CLOCK | 5pm Friday, November 7 to 6pm Saturday, November 8, 2025
At Center Church-Fellowship Hall, 1 Church Street, South Hadley MA 01075
(accessible/elevator from street level)
EMAIL:
ourrootsourvoices@gmail.com