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FEATURED COLLECTION

The Story of Us, Told by Us

Explore some of the stories that are included in the PBS American Portrait Book.

In 2020 PBS asked people across America to share stories about their lives. The result: thousands contributed to a vivid yet nuanced snapshot of who we are, compiled into a book featuring stories and photographs, all which began with an answer to a simple prompt. Explore a sample of stories included in the book.

My American story started when I went through a breakup after just moving to a town where I didn't know anyone else. I felt depressed and disconnected and tried...

Adam S.
Coeur d'Alene, ID
11 Mar 2020
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Cadyn R.
Amarillo, TX
01 Jul 2021
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I took a risk when I rock climbed and circumnavigated the rim of Yosemite Valley to paint the the landscape. With my sketchbook, I would often peek...

Keith H.
San Francisco, CA
09 Dec 2019
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What gets me out of bed in the morning is the dream of living in a just and fair world. With every photograph I take and with every...

Amira K.
Louisville, KY
31 Aug 2020
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What gets me out of bed in the morning is the call of Mardi Gras Day. To most people Mardi Gras is just another Tuesday, but in New...

Ryan H.
New Orleans, LA
11 Feb 2020
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You don't know what it's like, or very few people know the feeling of walking away from everything you know and stepping into what seems like an alternate...

Adam H.
Laurel, MD
03 Dec 2019
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Jenny S.
Lancaster, PA
20 Nov 2020
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Our Saturday night looks like riding our motorcycle and cheering on our grandson at his football game.

Sandy and James M.
Mount Joy, PA
15 Nov 2019
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Shason B.
San Mateo, CA
29 Jun 2021
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Felix M.
Kansas City, MO
09 Sep 2020
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Audrey S.
Pago Pago, AS
04 Nov 2020
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Kelsey W.
Billings, MT
20 Jan 2021
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Christina T.
Honolulu, HI
05 Jan 2021
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The tradition I carry on is lacrosse through the Iroquois Nationals.

Brandon B.
Syracuse, NY
28 Jan 2021
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Tricia M.
Maple Lake, MN
18 Jan 2021
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Jessie E.
Carmel, IN
26 Jun 2021
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Neal S.
Rio Rancho, NM
12 Jan 2021
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Anonymous
Campbell Hall, NY
28 Dec 2020
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I was raised to believe...

Barbara R.
Cookeville, TN
24 Dec 2020
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Brandiilyne M.
Hattiesburg, MS
16 Dec 2020
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Patricia M.
Smithfield, RI
21 Dec 2020
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When I step outside my door I have the best natural resources available to me in my own backyard. I can gather 7 different type of berries, pick...

DeeDee B.
Dillingham, AK
26 Oct 2020
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To me, work means drag. I am a drag artist and activist based in St. Louis, MO.

Maxi G.
Saint Louis, MO
09 Nov 2020
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AJ C.
Bloomfield Hills, MI
17 Dec 2020
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