Connecticut’s First-in-Nation Statewide Storytelling Rave April 5

Let’s show the nation the vibrancy of Connecticut's stories and our role in shaping America’s past, present, and future. History Chip, with support from The Connecticut Storytelling Center, Connecticut Library Association, and a growing roster of statewide and local organizations, launches an ambitious storytelling project to preserve Connecticut's voices at the first ever All Connecticut Storytelling Rave, happening on April 5th.

The first-in-the-nation event seeks to collect thousands of stories from folks across Connecticut to make the history of Connecticut more inclusive. History Chip is proud to be an affiliate organization of the America 250/CT Commission.

Rave participants can share their Connecticut stories in various formats - writing, voice recordings, or video submissions - ensuring their voices contribute to a lasting legacy.

Whether recounting family traditions, cherished community moments, favorite hiking trails, or so many other experiences that have had an impact on you, every story helps build a richer narrative of Connecticut's identity.

This Rave event is brought to you by History Chip, a platform that democratizes history by preserving personal stories from diverse voices. The stories shared will be safeguarded in History Chip's archive, ensuring they can be seen and heard by future generations - grandchildren, researchers, and individuals decades from now - offering a genuine window into our present lives and our life’s experiences.

“The All-Connecticut Storytelling Rave is more than just an event; it’s a chance to capture the spirit and diversity of Connecticut, one story at a time,” said Jean McGavin, Founder, History Chip. “This is an opportunity to become a part of our collective history, by sharing a slice of your history. It’s simple, it’s immediate, and it respects every voice. We aim to expose the world to as many perspectives as possible.”

Individuals can participate in numerous venues across the state on April 5, or can post their individual stories to the History Chip website anytime, before, during or afterwards. Some organizations are already planning gatherings subsequent to April 5, including The Amistad Center for Art & Culture in Hartford.

A mini-Rave event was held earlier this year in New London, in partnership with The Connecticut Storytelling Center and New London Library, a successful precursor to the statewide initiative.

History Chip’s mission is to provide a platform for storytellers and readers that expands our understanding of everyday experiences from all over the world. History Chip revolutionizes the way we view history. By including stories from all of us, History Chip provides a more complete picture of history.

Participants - whether on April 5 or during the months thereafter - can celebrate Connecticut’s unique stories and heritage, share personal perspectives as part of a collective narrative, and be part of the state’s contribution to America’s 250th anniversary celebration, coming up in 2026. History Chip invites everyone – everyone - to take part in this monumental project as we approach America’s 250th anniversary.

For more information, visit www.historychip.com/rave.

History Chip invites everyone to contribute their experiences, which together form our collective history. The Rave is an initiative to actively gather these stories from Connecticut towns, cities, communities, neighborhoods… enriching our shared narrative. Chips of life as you have seen or experienced it. And when you have added your stories, they will also become part of the History Chip archive, as it adds humanity and breadth to the story of our world. You don’t have to tell your whole life story. Perhaps you would like to describe your town, your school, a particular triumph or adventure, your first job as a teen, your move into town from elsewhere - the possibilities are endless. Please share!