Tell Arlington's Story

One man talks about busing 45 minutes across Arlington on the heels of school desegregation. An eighth-grade girl shaves her head to raise awareness for cancer research. A lifelong Arlingtonian writes about the changes in the county over four decades.

The stories – some written, some in photographs, some in documentary-style video and some simple video interviews – are part of an initiative to collect stories of the past and present in a thoroughly modern, forward-looking and sometimes-transient community.

The project, called Tell Arlington's Story, collects personal narratives from Arlington's diverse population to create a kind of modern local folklore.

Though started as a government initiative, coordinator Dulce Carillo said it will take a lot more time and involvement from the community for the project to have staying power.

"It takes a while for people to get excited about something like this," Carillo said. "It's our responsibility to let it go into the community and let it grow."

To help it grow, Carillo has partnered with community organizations like the Arlington branch of the American Association of University Women, the Mongolian School of the National Capital Area, interfaith groups, and the Columbia Pike Documentary Project. George Mason University's Folklore Studies program is also a partner.

In the fall, Tell Arlington's Story will get students from locals schools involved by telling their own tales, Carillo said.

One of the teachers helping students tell their stories come fall is Harry Costner of Gunston Middle School. Costner, a self-described audio and video geek, hopes to help kids use technology to find stories in their families and neighborhoods.

"Kids have a different perspective," Costner said. "And really, a good story is a good story, no matter if a 90-year-old tells it or a 10-year-old tells it."

Arlington Independent Media, or AIM, a nonprofit in Clarendon that provides access to media equipment and education, is also on board.

AIM offers classes in video production and editing, and Director of Community Programs Jackie Steven is encouraging those interested in recording their own stories or those of friends, family members, and neighbors, to take a class and get access to AIM's equipment and facilities.

"Anyone can get involved in the project. You don't have to have fancy technology," Steven said.

"Everyone has an interesting story and it doesn't take long to get them to tell it. The world is full of great stories. If you take time to listen to them, the world is a wonderful place."