Want to learn more about the history of your town, but unable to access print?

A new program offering is always an exciting time at Audio Journal, especially one that we feel will resonate not only with our loyal listeners, but with the entire community. In discussing ways for Audio Journal to remain relevant in our mission to provide access to information for visually challenged individuals, we feel that a winning idea for all of the community has evolved.

Most of the communities throughout Worcester County have a printed history of their town’s origins, important persons, and significant events. These stories are a source of pride, education and inspiration for those who can access them, but unfortunately not all can. Those with visual impairments or other physical disabilities are often left behind. We also realize that some historical treasures are lengthy, contain antiquated language, and can be too valuable to circulate. “Our Towns” will be an attempt to rectify the situation in a fresh, new approach – while still respecting the heritage of the past.

Each program will look at a town’s early history, including Native Americans, early settlers, agriculture, industry, notable personalities, and significant events. Who were the original people to settle there, why, what kept them there, what made it grow? All these questions and more will be answered in this new initiative – an interesting, thought provoking, educational and accessible history of “Our Towns.”

With assistance from local Cultural Councils, town libraries, historians and any other viable sources, we will work to locate appropriate information and produce an audio history of selected local towns. These will be produced in a one or two hour program format, the length being determined by the need. Some towns can adequately tell their story in one hour; yours may need a second episode.

These programs will be professionally produced and incorporated into our regular broadcast schedule. We will also record and produce a CD copy of the program which will be donated to the local library as well as the Worcester Public Library, and the library at the Perkins School for the Blind. Additional copies of the production can be made available. These will be attractively labeled with an illustration from town archives or similar resources. They can be used in a variety of ways, including fund raisers for a town project, or perhaps as an addition to Chamber of Commerce, Historical Society or other groups of interest with a use for informational packages.

If towns would like to post this audio history on their website, we can provide an appropriately formatted copy for them. Local cable access TV station might also have a use for this production. We will be happy to work with them to accomplish this.

Sponsorships

• Sponsorships of “Our Towns” are available for $600 per town.
• Your sponsorship will be credited at the beginning, middle and ending of each one-hour broadcast, presently scheduled to air each Saturday.
• You will also be represented on line at www.audiojournal.net, in our media news releases, and in our quarterly news letter.
• The cover and insert for each CD will also list the sponsors.

We hope you agree that an audio history of your town is a worthwhile legacy, reflecting our desire to make local history available to ALL people, and your desire to help make this happen.

Call Audio Journal at 508-797-1117, email info@audiojournal.net, or visit our donations page to participate.