In a world that often seems too large and impersonal, it is the intimate narratives and vibrant threads of community that remind us of our shared humanity. The storytelling project, Stories of Place, led by the Livelihoods Knowledge Exchange Network (LiKEN), marks this belief.
The mission of LiKEN, a Lexington-based sustainability-focused nonprofit, is to build and strengthen networks and partnerships that focus on knowledge exchange and policy-related initiatives. This agenda is powerfully exemplified in Martin County, where LiKEN’s efforts have revolved around enhancing the quality of life, fostering self-sufficiency, and preserving history, all while ensuring that Martin County’s narrative, as told by its residents, continues to thrive.
The recent address by Madison Mooney, LiKEN community engagement coordinator, and Karen Rignall, University of Kentucky professor, at the Kiwanis meeting in Inez demonstrated the power of their work. The Stories of Place project, which has been in operation since 2018, showcases the rich history and sense of community in Martin County. It gives residents a platform to voice their experiences through oral history, art or music – an act that strengthens community bonds and enriches collective memory.
While already deeply impactful, the Stories of Place project has taken another ambitious step with the introduction of the Martin County Family Cemeteries Project.
By creating an up-to-date map of all graves and cemeteries in the county, Stories of Place aims to preserve local history and ensure that every life, no matter how brief or long, is remembered and acknowledged.
The project’s focus on community participation in uncovering unmarked gravesites emphasizes the importance of collective responsibility in historical preservation.
These endeavors are more than a series of tasks. They invite every resident of Martin County to be a historian, a storyteller, and a part of the broader narrative. As Mooney puts it, they want to inspire people to share their stories, “The good, the bad and everything in between.”
The power of this approach was captured in the anecdote Mooney shared about a silent woman at the Martin County Senior Citizens Center last summer. The woman was moved to share her story after recognizing a photo of her granddaughter in the Mountain Citizen photo archives on display during a Stories of Place event, igniting a flood of memories. It’s these memories that weave the fabric of a community.
LiKEN’s projects in Martin County stand as a beacon in the pursuit of community engagement, showing that every story matters, every life is important, and every voice deserves to be heard. This approach is not only inspiring but also serves as a powerful model. The work being done in Martin County reaffirms the belief that our stories and histories are not merely personal but communal.
In a world that often feels rushed and impersonal, LiKEN’s project in Martin County reminds us of the invaluable human touch that comes from listening, remembering and sharing. Let us draw inspiration from this and remember the significance of stories – the true bedrock of every community.