The Power of Story: An Intro to Oral History Workshop

In this workshop led by Emmy-nominated storyteller and photographer Naeem Douglass, learn how to craft compelling interviews, develop thoughtful questions, and record stories. Held at Brooklyn Public Library’s new Library of Art and Culture, this workshop welcomes artists, neighbors, and anyone curious about preserving lived experiences through story. Access to a smartphone with a recording app is encouraged for participation.

This program is part of The Dear Neighbor Project by Brooklyn-based artist Tiffany Baker. On view April 22–July 2025, The Dear Neighbor Project turns the voices of Gowanus residents into public art and illustrates their experiences with flooding in the neighborhood. Her murals illustrate and directly quote from these residents’ stories — sharing their experiences, advice, and stories of community support during flood events. An audio archive of their stories will live permanently at dearneighborproject.com.

The Dear Neighbor Project is the second installation in Van Alen’s annual initiative Points of Promise, which uses art and design to support civic engagement in Gowanus amidst the neighborhood’s redevelopment.