Speak up while America listens in

If you thought you missed your chance to hop on that big silver Airstream trailer to tell your story for posterity, looks like you have one more chance. The trailer, which houses the StoryCorps oral-history project, is back in Los Angeles, offering its one-of-a-kind journey.

Last spotted on the Santa Monica Promenade a few weeks back, the iconic silver Airstream “Mobile StoryBooth” will be parked in MacArthur Park until Feb. 1 collecting L.A. stories. The idea is simple, but the fruits are great. Considered the most ambitious such project ever mounted, StoryCorps has been recording the stories (15,000 so far) of everyday Americans in conversation with one another since 2003 and crisscrossing the country since 2005. Conceived by NPR radio producer David Isay, the idea has been to fill out a portrait of 21st century America in all of its diversity by having people talk to people they know about the things that matter most to them, how they see themselves in the world, or events or dreams that have shaped their lives.

The 40-minute sessions are overseen by trained facilitators who help with the technical aspects. Each participant is given a copy of their session, which will also be archived by the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress for future generations to hear. Excerpts from selected interviews will be broadcast locally on KCRW. To make interview reservations, visit www.storycorps.net or call (800) 850-4406. Walk-ups are also encouraged.

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-- Lynell George