Mission and Vision

The mission of this project is to archive and publish the untold stories of marginalized groups in Burke, fueling TOSS’ public art projects. We envision this work will:

1. Celebrate the contributions and achievements of unsung individuals and groups and advance dialogue around future social, economic, and environmental opportunity.

2. Create a timely and enduring tool for k-12 educators.

3. Grow the portfolio of stories for the Hometown Walkabout tour, our sister program.

Origin of the Project

In the summer of 2021, TOSS asked a group of high school students to identify untold stories in Burke County - stories that hadn’t been told in public spaces or archived sufficiently elsewhere. They participated in Hometown Walkabout, toured and analyzed the Burke County History Museum, and heard from local story tellers such as Tea Yang.

From their experiences they compiled a “wish list” for future public art projects.

During the summer of 2022, high school students refined the list, and went about collecting more information on unsung heros in Burke. They participated in oral history training with Ana Ramirez and shadowed Dr. Leslie McKesson in her interviews, remembering the West Concord Mothers. They began interviews themselves before the conclusion of summer.

Our database is growing! High School Juniors and Seniors are encouraged to join this initiative through 2026. To get involved or learn more, contact Kathryn: kathryn@tosstudio.org.