Description
Story Beyond The Ruins is an oral history project documenting the earthquake that rocked not only its epicenter Spitak, but the entire nation of Armenia. Launched in 2017 by United States Peace Corps volunteers, Michael Chen and Max Malter, and American University of Armenia student, Arpine Hovannisyan, the project aims to preserve memories and lived experiences from and beyond the 1988 Spitak Earthquake (also known as the Armenian Earthquake) through a collection of interviews. Through their conversations with individuals, they have tried to provide a canvas for an authentic depiction of life during and after the earthquake. Their goal is to publish the stories online and continue conducting interviews and building upon their collection of stories. Story Beyond The Ruins operates with the help of volunteers. They have partnered with our organization to help raise the funds needed,$2,400, to continue to gather interviews, maintain their website and market their efforts for the next three years.
The young men and women behind Story Beyond The Ruins hope that these stories will strengthen the Armenian heritage of storytelling and give outsiders a glimpse into a profound event that led up to modern Armenia today. you can listen to these interviews on the Story Beyond The Ruins website at www.storybeyondtheruins.com
Gallery Images
The Need
A story about the past somehow has the power to alter our perception of the present and likewise shift our imagination of the future. The goal of the Story Beyond The Ruins project is to tell personal stories about the 1988 Spitak Earthquake including how it reordered the way people narrate their lives and how their identities changed. While there is much tragedy in the disaster, there is also much hope. People who survived this event grew up, pursued new goals, and changed into strong, motivated citizens who want to help their country and give back to those in need. This project is needed as a platform to tell these stories.
Short Term Impact
In the short term, a team of volunteers from Armenia will work to compile a collection interviews, translate them, and add them to the Story Beyond The Ruins website.
Long Term Impact
In the long term, a historical record will exist for future generations.
Sponsors Benefits
All sponsors will be recognized on The Paros Foundation and Story Beyond the Ruins websites. In addition, donors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project.
Our Donors (4)
- Mr. & Mrs. Norman & Roberta Malter $50 Mar 21, 2019
- Mr. & Mrs. Ira & Nathalie Malter $50 Mar 14, 2019
- Mr. Vahan Tchakerian $300 In Memory of Jean Barsam Feb 15, 2019
- Mr. & Mrs. Fred & Ardemis Tajirian $450 In Memory of Vahe and Hilda Mener Feb 7, 2019
Updates: Images & Information
Story Beyond The Ruins has just added to their collection of interviews. Armen Der Kiureghian’s interview and the story of how the American University of Armenia was started after the 1988 Armenian earthquake is now available on their website.