Thank You From Our Team!

We want to thank everyone for all the generosity and encouragement we have received from Chatham County residents over the past half-decade of this project From our early beginnings in 2019, through to the COVID-19 pandemic, and beyond with our recent partnerships with local storytelling and historical organizations, you have taught us about planting "by the signs," tobacco farming and corn shucking, student bus drivers, the Devil's Tramping Ground, the music of Shakori, the vibrant Hispanic traditions of Siler City, and those infamous Chatham rabbits. You have invited us into your homes, shared meals with us, and accompanied us at lively community events and cozy gathering places. But most importantly, you have entrusted us with your precious and infinitely fascinating stories, and for that we are forever indebted.

 

Chatham has been like a second home for me and Lydia over the past 3 years since we've gotten involved with this project. Every time we see the spire of the courthouse peaking through the trees as we approach Pittsboro, we feel a deep sense of familiarity and belonging with a county that has so graciously opened its doors to us and welcomed us in with such open arms. We are so tremendously grateful for all the friends we have made along the way who have enthusiastically supported our work in the county. Chatham is undoubtably a beautiful place to live; but if we have learned one thing from our work over these past few years, it's that it isn't the county's gentle pastures, roaring rivers, or even its supernatural landmarks that make Chatham a truly unique and special place — it is it's people. Anyone who has been lucky enough to know this place and it's people is truly a lucky person indeed. 

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While we wish to stay involved in the community, our work with the Voices of Chatham project has sadly come to an end. As such, we will no longer be conducting oral history interviews at this time. We are committed to making sure that the over 100 interviews we have collected are accessible for county residents, and are working closely with the Chatham County Historical Association to ensure that these stories are preserved for future generations. We are also in the final stages of editing a documentary that showcases the many stories we recorded and hope to debut the film at various local screenings and via PBS North Carolina. For updates on our documentary, please check this website and the Language & Life Project's website.

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We once again want to express our gratitude for the many years of laughter, joy, and company, for entrusting us with the stories documenting the highs and lows of your lives, and for introducing us to your wonderful community. If you have any questions about our collection or the future of the Voices of Chatham project, please feel free to shoot us an email. 

With much gratitude,

Brody McCurdy, Lydia Elrod, & Walt Wolfram