National Day of Listening

National Day of Listening is observed in the United States on the day after Thanksgiving each year. Founded by the nonprofit organization StoryCorps, it encourages people to listen carefully to others and preserve meaningful stories from their families and communities.

History of National Day of Listening

StoryCorps launched National Day of Listening in 2008 as an alternative to the shopping associated with Black Friday. The organization encouraged people to spend an hour recording a conversation with a family member, friend, neighbor, or another person whose experiences they wanted to preserve.

StoryCorps was founded in 2003 by radio producer Dave Isay. Its mission is to record, preserve, and share stories from people of different backgrounds and communities. With permission from participants, StoryCorps interviews are preserved at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.

National Day of Listening reminds people that an ordinary conversation can become a valuable record for future generations. It also encourages patience, curiosity, and a greater appreciation of other people’s experiences.

Interesting Facts About National Day of Listening

• StoryCorps interviews usually involve two people who know each other asking and answering questions.
• Participants can record conversations in person or remotely using StoryCorps tools.
• Open-ended questions often encourage people to share detailed memories and personal reflections.
• Listening without interrupting can help the speaker feel respected and understood.
• Family interviews can preserve information that may not appear in written records or photographs.
• StoryCorps recordings cover subjects such as family, work, love, loss, identity, community, and historical events.

How to Take Part in National Day of Listening

• Choose a family member, friend, neighbor, or community member whose story you would like to hear.
• Prepare open-ended questions about important memories, experiences, values, and traditions.
• Find a quiet place, remove distractions, and give the speaker your full attention.
• Record the conversation with permission or take notes to preserve the story privately.
• Save the recording with names, dates, and other useful information for future generations.
• Share your experience on social media with the hashtag #DayOfListening.

When Is National Day of Listening in 2026?

National Day of Listening is observed on the day after Thanksgiving each year.

Observations