MOUNT VERNON – The Knox County Convention and Visitors Bureau (KCCVB) has launched Knox Voices, a collaborative community storytelling project. The CVB developed the project in partnership with the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County.
The initiative aims to collect and preserve contemporary stories, memories, and personal histories that define the unique people and places of Knox County.
The initiative is part of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
Knox Voices seeks to move beyond traditional historical accounts by capturing the current chapter of local history.
Residents, former residents, and local enthusiasts are invited to submit stories that highlight the individuals, institutions, landmarks, and overlooked moments that make Knox County a distinctive place to live, work, and visit.
“America 250 is a moment to celebrate our past, but also to write the next chapter of the American story,” CVB Executive Director Olivia Toth said.
“Through the Knox Voices project, we want to capture the energy, innovation, and character that is shaping our community right now. This is an exciting way to market and share the true spirit of Knox County with the rest of the nation.”
The plan is to have the Public Library archive the stories it collects. They will become a permanent, accessible record of community life. The Knox CVB will use selected stories to develop future marketing campaigns and digital content promoting local heritage tourism.
“Partnerships like this are essential for preserving community memory,” Michael Sherfy, local history specialist at the library, said.
“By combining the library’s dedication to documentation with the CVB’s outreach, we are creating a unique, living archive. We encourage everyone — from farmers and small business owners to artists and educators — to share their voice and ensure their unique perspective is part of this historic collection.”
How to participate
The Knox Voices project is accepting submissions via a dedicated online form. Stories can be submitted as written narratives or in response to specific prompts. The project team encourages submissions that are personal, specific, and reflective of the everyday life and hidden gems of Knox County.
To learn more about submission guidelines and to share your story, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScc05p5dWQMjXXCQrT3VhMEg2RWfq8_z01PALxeV7mJYH_mrg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=118268462600740318623
Knox Community Hospital proudly supports the vibrant pulse of our community by sponsoring the Life & Culture section on Knox Pages, celebrating the stories and experiences that make our region unique.