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The Miami Stories initiative collects stories about Miami’s past, present, and future. Through this oral history project, HistoryMiami Museum documents life in the Magic City through written stories, video submissions, and audio recordings, which are preserved in the museum’s archive, and shared online and through local media outlets.
HistoryMiami Museum accepts written stories and video submissions on a rolling basis. We welcome written stories between 500-1,000 words and video stories under 5 minutes about life in Miami. We encourage storytellers to submit a photo with their written story. To submit a written story, complete the Miami Stories Submission Form. To submit a video story, click on the video story link.
How did you or your family get to Miami?
When do you feel like a Miamian?
What would you miss if you left Miami?
What makes Miami, Miami?
What do you see for Miami’s future?
In collaboration with the Cuban Heritage Collection at the University of Miami Libraries and as a part of the program El efecto Mariel: Before, During, and After, HistoryMiami Museum is collecting stories related to the Mariel boatlift of 1980. Members of the community are encouraged to share their personal memories, stories, and reflections related to Mariel. Stories will be collected virtually on a rolling basis and a series of prompts give participants ideas from where they can begin their story. Submitted stories will become part of the permanent collections of the HistoryMiami Museum and Cuban Heritage Collection and featured on both online platforms.
The Miami Stories Recording Booth allows the museum to capture audio stories at local events.
For more information about booking the Miami Stories Recording Booth, see the Recording Booth Information Sheet or contact us at miamistories@historymiami.org.
As part of the 2020 10 Days of Connection, HistoryMiami Museum invited South Florida residents to share a story about an item that reflects an aspect of their cultural identity and build a community exhibit. We continue to collect these stories and invite you to share yours. Either by yourself or accompanied by your loved ones, submit a video explaining how this object represents your cultural identity. Feel free to submit your story in the language of your choice.
Click here to access the Miami Stories Audio Archive
After being discharged from the Navy in 1947, I went back to Deland in Central Florida to stay with my parents. After three months of adjusting to civilian life, I made plans to enter Embry Riddle School of Aviation, based at Opa-locka Airport, to get an aircraft and engine license. Read More
This year marks two important events in our family’s life: the 50th anniversary of our arrival to Coral Gables and the 50th anniversary of the company my parents founded in Miami. This was my dad’s second start in the auto parts business – as a teenager he worked in… Read More
On June 29, 1973, we waited all day long for the movers to come for our furniture. At the time, I lived in an apartment in Flushing, New York, with my family. I was 16 and had just completed my junior year in high school. We were moving to Miami,… Read More
In December 1945, I got my first glimpse of the palm trees, beach umbrellas and hotels on Miami Beach. After six years of being exiled in England, I managed to get passage on a tramp steamer in Norway so I could join my family in Mexico. We had all been… Read More
