Elders' Wisdom, Children's Song™

Elders’ Wisdom, Children's Song™ is an intergenerational program created by Smithsonian Folkways recording artist and social justice advocate Larry Long, director of the 501-C3 nonprofit, Community Celebration of Place. Working with young people in schools throughout the nation Larry has generated an unparalleled collection of life stories of American elders in both song and narrative.

Maintained in print as well as audio and video recordings, this richly diverse collection chronicles several generations of American life through the recollections of over 500 elders from 65 communities in 25 states. Collected over 20 years, the stories span the nation's cultures from elders both long established and newly arrived.

Larry Long's collection uniquely documents how Americans pursue honest and honorable ways of living that affirm hope in what the country aspires to at its best. The songs and stories affirm values and provide models that are core to American life. They also personalize the tragedies and triumphs of our country by revealing the grit and determination of people to lead good lives - often against injustice and terrible odds - while contributing to the wellbeing of their communities and the nation.