​Voices 250

​Residents of Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore have a unique relationship with the heritage and future of our state and country. Voices 250 will gather 250 of these stories across the Lower Shore through in-person, audio interviews. Interviews will explore ideas of pride in the ideals of our nation’s founding, reckoning with historical and contemporary wrongs that have caused the nation to fall short of its ideals, and aspiration for a multiracial and inclusive democracy governed by the principles of equality, fairness, and opportunity.

Everyone is invited to participate in this oral history project. Whether you recently moved to the Shore or you've lived here for 50 years. Even the little ones are welcome to take part. Make your part of shore history be heard by sharing your own stories while reflecting on our 250 year long history. What does the "American Dream" mean to you? Do you have any family traditions? Your favorite spot on the Eastern Shore? Let us know!
​
These recorded oral histories will be freely shared in two ways. First, interviews will be archived at the Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture at Salisbury University. Second, curated segments of the interviews will be broadcast on Delmarva Public Media as part of our public programming and made accessible online. This public programming will create a memorable, once-in-a-generation public history experience that captures the voices of our community, promotes engagement with American values, and encourages reflection as we live through America's 250th year as a nation. 

How it Works

It's easy to take part in Voices 250 and record your shore story. Simply...
  • Find us at an event on the lower shore (listed below)
  • Share and record your oral history with us. It can be short and sweet or more in depth, whichever is most comfortable for you!
  • Earn a free Lower Shore 250 branded prize of your choice
    • Reusable drinking straw
    • Water bottle 
    • Frisbee
    • Floating keychain
When you sit down to record your history with us, we will ask you a series of questions such as...
  • Your background and family background
  • Connection to the Eastern Shore
  • What you love most about the Eastern Shore
  • Anything you would like to see changed or more of
  • Family traditions
  • Your interpretation of the American Dream
  • Reflection on our future as a nation 

Find Us at These Events!

We need your help! Gathering 250 interviews is no easy feat. We will be at public events throughout the three Lower Shore counties (Wicomico, Somerset, & Worcester) either at our own table, sharing a table with our partner organizations, or walking around the grounds of the event. See what events we are planning on attending below and come say hi!
  • Worcester County Fair - John Walter Smith Park - August 7 - August 9
  • Wicomico County Fair - Winterplace Park - August 14 - August 16
  • 3rd Friday - Downtown Salisbury - August 21, 5pm - 8pm
  • An Evening of Skipjacks - Museum of Eastern Shore Culture - August 24, 6pm - 7:30pm
  • Book Festival - Calvin B. Taylor House Museum - October 17, 11am - 3pm
 Check back regularly to see where we're headed next!​

Schedule an Interview

If you would like to stop by do an interview, see our interview locations and contacts below.
Worcester County, Snow Hill:
107 West Green Street, Snow Hill, MD 21804
To schedule a one on one meeting with Worcester Counter Tourism & Economic Development Communication and Marketing Manager Brianna Dix, call 410-632-3110 or email [email protected] 
Wicomico County, Salisbury University:
1212 Camden Ave., Salisbury, MD 21801
To schedule a one on one interview with the Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement (PACE) at Salisbury University, email ​[email protected] or call 410-677-5054
Wicomico County, Downtown Salisbury:
Dave & Patsy Rommel Center for Entrepreneurship, 212 West Main St. Suite 205 , Salisbury, MD 21801
To schedule a one on one interview with the Andre Nieto Jaime, Beach to Bay Heritage Area's Program Specialist, email [email protected]

Interview Sign Up

Have an interesting story to share or know somebody that does? Find us at an event, sign up below, or shoot us an email ([email protected]) with the details!

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
  • ​"Firsts" (first in your family to, first African American to, first woman to, first doctor, first etc...)
  • Military service
  • Activism
  • Historic moments on the shore
  • Restoration of historic sites or buildings

    Sign Up for an Interview

    ​By participating in a Voices 250 interview, the interviewee is allowing Lower Shore 250 to use their name, video or photographic image or likeness, statements, performance, and voice reproduction, or other sound effects without further approval or compensation. Interviews may be edited and aired on Delmarva Public Media and will be archived at the Edward H. Nabb Research Center for oral history preservation. A consent form can be viewed and downloaded here.

Disclaimer

By participating in a Voices 250 interview, the interviewee is allowing Lower Shore 250 to use their name, video or photographic image or likeness, statements, performance, and voice reproduction, or other sound effects without further approval or compensation. Interviews may be edited and aired on Delmarva Public Media and will be archived at the Edward H. Nabb Research Center for oral history preservation.
Contact Us:
 14 South Main Street
Berlin, MD 21811
410-251-3163

[email protected]

Beach to Bay Heritage Area Mission

Our mission is to promote, preserve and protect the cultural heritage, historical linkages and natural assets of Maryland's Lower Eastern Shore.

    Subscribe Today!
Funded in part by the Rural Maryland Council