Barbara Geralds’ legacy of kindness inspires the institute’s work.
Our Mom always told us, “Grow where you are planted.”
We believe her dream with the Barbara Geralds Institute for Storytelling and Social Impact was to help people grow and bloom through shared experiences, healing, teaching and storytelling.
The journey of watching Mom be a part of the Institute while she was alive, to see the seeds planted, and witness the growth and blooms in all the work that has been accomplished by this Institute, is simply amazing and an answered prayer and dream come true for our entire family.
- Schoonover family
Training, knowledge, and cooperation
Our Origin Story
The Barbara Geralds Institute for Storytelling and Social Impact at Ohio University was founded through the visionary support of Barbara Geralds. The institute's inception is rooted in the impactful work of Dr. Lynn M. Harter, who served as the Barbara Geralds Schoonover Professor of Health Communication from 2008-2014. Inspired by the transformative potential of storytelling observed in her projects, Dr. Harter proposed the establishment of the institute to Barbara Geralds. In March 2015, Geralds committed to supporting this initiative, ensuring the institute's sustainability and growth. This generous support has empowered the institute to merge the art of storytelling with academic research, fostering social change and impact through diverse narrative projects.
The Early Days
From its early days, the Storytelling Institute has made significant strides in the realm of documentary filmmaking and podcasting. Notably, Dr. Harter produced the Emmy award-winning documentary series "The Courage of Creativity," which highlights how art programs in therapeutic contexts can transform lives. This groundbreaking work including powerful documentaries like "A Beautiful Remedy" and "Creative Abundance" showcases the institute’s dedication to crafting and sharing stories that matter. These films, distributed nationally through PBS, have engaged audiences and brought critical social issues to the forefront.
Students and Community
The institute’s success is deeply intertwined with the contributions of students and community members. Over 500 undergraduate students have participated in the production of these documentaries, gaining hands-on experience in various aspects of storytelling, from interviewing to filming and editing. The collaborative efforts with community organizations have also been pivotal, allowing the institute to extend its reach and impact. Projects like the "Turn It Gold" initiative for childhood cancer awareness have mobilized local businesses, athletes, and students, raising both awareness and funds for cancer research.
Crafting and Sharing Stories
Looking ahead, the Storytelling Institute remains committed to its mission of creating and sharing stories that foster understanding and drive social change. With ongoing support and an expanded leadership team, the institute continues to innovate and inspire, ensuring that new voices and stories are elevated in our ever-changing social landscape. Whether through groundbreaking documentaries, engaging podcasts, or community collaborations, the institute stands as a beacon of narrative excellence and social impact.
