Vietnam War Interview Project

Terry Smith was born right before the Vietnam war. He lived through it as a student and he went on to teach it year after year in his high school American history teacher. In this interview you will be provided...

Life of the 60’s in Small Town Indiana

Brenda Skaggs (74 years old) talks about her life throughout the 60’s. Discusses the drug epidemic, music, movies, the Cold War, dating, etc. during the 60’s.

Maxine 100 Years: Growing up in Bloomington, Indiana

Iris Maxine Pontius grew up during the Great Depression on a small farm outside Bloomington, Indiana. She and her eight siblings learned that working together made family life enjoyable even during hard times. They grew up in a two-bedroom farmhouse...

"After the first year, it got easier to sell." – Bill Thistlethwaite on creating the Meltdown Ice Festival in Richmond, IN

Bill and Alison talk about why the Meltdown Ice Festival is special, what makes it different, and how the visiting carvers embrace this small Midwestern town in the dead of winter.

"We've got to hold ourselves up- we've got to have each other's back" – Mike Gibbs on being a musician and family businessman in Richmond.

Mike and Alison discuss his career in music, his local business ventures, working with family (they work together so well!) and raising a family in Richmond. Music lovers: Hear Mike's Billboard 100 song "Sarah's In Love" at the end of...

"Speak the truth in love is not the worst advice…" – Ben Brazil shares stories of travel, writing, politics and the people of Richmond, IN

If you struggle with the current political climate (especially the public discourse), take a listen to Ben's interview. Learn about his early life, his path to Richmond, religion, and his career/projects. He also talks about the way he navigates current...

Lucky to be a blue.

A conversation with my wonderful "Nanny B" (grandmother) about her relationship with my granddad, Jerry Blue. Silly memories and meaningful life lessons from very wise woman that took place on a lovely Friday afternoon. We discuss the impact of growing...

“We were all believers in the concept”: Doug Oler talks about his career path and the creation of the Wayne County Foundation

Doug and Alison talk about growing up in Economy, his family life, and how his career path led him to community efforts such as the formation of the Wayne County Foundation, a successful community foundation created in Richmond, IN.

“We want to remove any barrier that someone might have to creating art”- Andy and Amy Dudas on creating a space for the community

In this interview, Alison talks with Amy and Andy Dudas, owners of Dudas Law and community builders who are turning a vacant building in downtown Richmond into a place where all are welcome to create art of any form.

“The whole Richmond community came together to save it!” -Roger, Theresa and Natalie share stories of their family and Richmond

In this interview, Natalie (Ripperger), Roger and Theresa Richert talk with Alison about starting in business early, how they managed to revitalize the Depot District with the help of the community, stories of local accomplishments, and why their family business...

“We got it down to a science- everyone had a job”- Lee Stienbarger reflects on his years as coach of the Indiana Thump Jumpers

Lee Stienbarger (a.k.a. "Mr. S.") and Alison talk about the history of Richmond's competitive jump rope team- the Indiana Thump Jumpers, and how he functioned as a coach and trailblazer in a sport that was unknown to much of the...

“Richmond is like my second home”- José talks about his life in the US and his love of learning

José Luis and Alison discuss the things he loves about Richmond while also acknowledging the challenges of making a life in a new country. The two also talk about his love of learning, travel, and his future education plans!

“I had a dream to be someone”: Rogelio talks about his life in the US

Rogelio, a Richmond community member, talks with Alison about his early struggles, those who helped him succeed in school, and his passion for working hard to accomplish his goals.

“I’m a changed woman as far as my feelings about poverty”: Susan on her role as Wayne Township Trustee

Susan Isaacs, the Wayne Township Trustee and community organizer, talks with Alison about her early years of success, life's ups and downs, and how she approaches the unique role of caretaker in the trustee's office.

“Richmond is a perfect place to get started in life”- Caleb talks about discovering Richmond and “growing” the Richmond Farmer’s Market

Caleb Smith tells us about why he settled in Richmond after his college career at Earlham, his vision for the growing Farmer's Market, and what he appreciates about small town living.

Part 3- Retired attorney Andy Cecere talks about his life and journey to Richmond, IN.

From a young age, Andy was motivated to create change. In this three part interview, Alison hears about his childhood, his time in the service, his path to Earlham and his life in Richmond. We also learn about those who...

Part 2- Retired attorney Andy Cecere talks about his life and journey to Richmond, IN.

From a young age, Andy was motivated to create change. In this three part interview, Alison hears about his childhood, his time in the service, his path to Earlham and his life in Richmond. We also learn about those who...