The Knox County Convention and Visitors Bureau (KCCVB) is proud to announce the launch of Knox Voices, a collaborative community storytelling project developed 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 as the nation looks toward its 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,” said Olivia Toth, Knox CVB Executive Director. “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 submitted stories archived by the Public Library, becoming a permanent, accessible record of community life. The Knox CVB will also use selected stories to develop future marketing campaigns and digital content promoting local heritage tourism.
“Partnerships like this are essential for preserving community memory,” commented Michael Sherfy, Local History Specialist at the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County. “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 currently 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, please visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScc05p5dWQMjXXCQrT3VhMEg2RWfq8_z01PALxeV7mJYH_mrg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=118268462600740318623
