by HEATHER WALLACE

Special to the Sounder

It has been said that when someone dies, an entire library dies with them.

This is the truth. Each of us holds certain keys to history – life experiences that have made us who we are. As a part of this community (either previously or currently) your story is important to us, and it matters. We all have a responsibility for passing on our personal accounts of the past to future generations. History cannot exist without the past and the present.

From July 17 to Aug. 29, the Orcas Island Historical Museum will be hosting a Smithsonian traveling exhibit entitled, “Journey Stories.” The exhibit will focus on how transportation has shaped how we move and travel. It will also have a community focus and will include stories from a variety of Islanders. We encourage you to get involved by submitting your own journey story or your family’s journey story.

In addition to the written stories, students at the Orcas Island High School, under the direction of teacher, Paul Evans, will be creating a video documentary for the “Journey Stories” exhibit. This video will not be possible without your help. We are looking for stories about journeys to the San Juan Islands, immigration stories, war stories, survival stories, or just simply life stories. We encourage all age groups to participate. No one is too old or too young.