Meridian Partners with Multnomah County Library for Community Storytelling Project
Meridian Charter School is partnering with Multnomah County Library on a new community storytelling initiative designed to document and share the stories of Portland's diverse neighborhoods.
The Partnership
Starting in February 2026, Meridian middle school students will work with library staff and professional storytellers to collect oral histories from longtime Portland residents, business owners, and community leaders.
The project is part of the library's ongoing Digital Memory Bank initiative, which preserves community stories and makes them accessible to the public through a searchable online archive.
"Portland is changing rapidly," said Maria Chen, Community Programs Manager at Multnomah County Library. "We want to capture the stories of people who have shaped this city—the small business owners, the neighborhood activists, the families who have lived here for generations. And we want young people to be the ones asking the questions and telling these stories."
What Students Will Do
Throughout spring semester, students will:
- Learn oral history methods and interview techniques
- Research Portland neighborhoods and identify storytellers
- Conduct recorded interviews (audio and video)
- Transcribe and edit interviews for the digital archive
- Create companion pieces—photography, illustration, or written reflections
- Present their work at a community showcase in June
The project is integrated into the middle school humanities curriculum and will fulfill learning goals in research, writing, media literacy, and community engagement.
Learning Through Listening
For Meridian educators, the project aligns perfectly with the school's emphasis on purposeful, real-world learning.
"Stories are how we understand place," said Dr. Jameson Reed, Meridian's Director of Curriculum. "This project teaches students research skills, empathy, and the value of listening—all while contributing something meaningful to the broader Portland community."
Students will focus on neighborhoods across the city, from historic areas like Albina and St. Johns to newer communities in East Portland and beyond.
They'll explore questions like:
- How has this neighborhood changed over time?
- What makes this place feel like home?
- What stories do people tell about this community?
- What challenges has this neighborhood faced, and how have residents responded?
Why Oral History Matters
Oral history gives voice to perspectives that often go undocumented in official histories. It captures the texture of daily life, the feeling of a place, and the experiences of people whose stories might otherwise be lost.
"History isn't just about famous people and major events," said 8th grade humanities teacher Lauren Kato. "It's about the everyday decisions, relationships, and struggles that shape a community. Oral history helps us see that."
The project also teaches students to be thoughtful interviewers and listeners—skills that are valuable far beyond this assignment.
"Listening is an underrated skill," Lauren noted. "In a world of noise and distraction, being able to sit with someone, ask good questions, and really hear what they're saying is powerful. It builds connection and understanding."
Contributing to the Community
The digital archive created through this partnership will be publicly accessible through the Multnomah County Library website. Teachers, researchers, and community members will be able to search and explore the stories.
Meridian students will also present their work at a community showcase in June, where interviewees, families, and the public are invited to listen and respond.
"We want students to know their work matters beyond a grade," said Elena Vasquez, Head of School. "These stories will live on as part of Portland's collective memory. That's a meaningful contribution."
Building on Shared Values
The partnership reflects shared values between Meridian and Multnomah County Library: both organizations prioritize access, equity, and community connection.
"Public libraries and public charter schools have a lot in common," Maria Chen said. "We both believe in meeting people where they are, providing resources and opportunities, and building stronger communities through learning."
Multnomah County Library has worked with schools on similar projects in the past, but this is the first sustained partnership focused specifically on youth-led storytelling and oral history.
Timeline
The project will run from February through June 2026:
- February - Training in oral history methods, neighborhood research
- March - Identifying storytellers, conducting interviews
- April-May - Editing, transcribing, and creating companion pieces
- June - Community showcase and digital archive launch
Meridian families and community members interested in participating as storytellers can contact the school at [email protected].
A Model for Other Schools
Both Meridian and the library hope this partnership can serve as a model for other schools interested in community-engaged learning.
"There's so much students can learn by engaging directly with their communities," Dr. Reed said. "And communities benefit when young people take an interest in preserving and sharing local stories. It's a true partnership."
The library is already in conversations with other Portland-area schools about replicating the model.
"This is just the beginning," Maria Chen said. "We hope to build a network of young documentarians across the city—students who are learning to listen, to ask questions, and to honor the stories that make Portland what it is."
Learn more about community partnerships and experiential learning on our Student Life page.