California Chronicles

We all have a legacy, share yours today

Complete the form below to submit your story. Published stories will be archived with the California State Library.

Story Criteria

California Chronicle’s goal is to illuminate the struggles, triumphs, and actions that brought about change. We seek to share stories about social justice, racial equity, combating ageism, homelessness, poverty, addiction, substance abuse, LGBTQ pride, successes, failures, joys, difficulties, and community connections. Do not worry if your story doesn’t fall under these suggestions. California Chronicles wants to share everyone’s unique experiences.

All Californians have a legacy to share. But how can we turn that legacy into an engaging story? When telling your story, address the following: Tell us what successes, failures, joys, difficulties you faced as a Californian. Highlight the impact it had on yourself and others. If you have any lessons you learned from your experience, now is the time to share.

Including some of these details will make your story more interesting to an audience. But remember, the most important thing is that you tell your story naturally and from your own, unique perspective.

Types of Submissions

Share your story, your way. We accept the following types of storytelling:

  • Video or audio Recording
  • Written
  • Photo or art with caption
  • Oral History – learn more

To share your story fill out the Form below

*1. Tell us about yourself

Contact information will be maintained confidentially, but your name may be used for a display or collection. If you prefer, you may provide your first name and last initial, or first and last initials, instead of your full name. For more information see our Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use.

2. Share your story

We accept the following types of storytelling:

  • Video Recording – file formats: .avi, .mov, .mp4, .mpg, .wmv
  • Audio Recording – file formats: .m4a, .mp3, .mpa, .wav, .wma
  • Written – maximum of 500 words. File formats: .doc, .docx, .rtf, .tex, .txt
  • Photo with caption – maximum of 500 words. File formats: .png, .jpg, .jpeg
  • Oral History – learn more
  • Artwork and caption – Digital only. no physical artwork. File formats: .png, .jpg, .jpeg

First, select how you will be submitting your story. You may upload a file containing your story or type your written story directly in the box below. You may submit multiple files per story.
For example, you may submit a Word document and an image.

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3. Upload additional files here.


4. If you would like to submit something that is already online (for example, a blog post) related to your story, please enter the URL here.


*5. In making this submission, I agree to allow the California State Library and California Department of Aging to use it under the terms set forth below:

I represent and affirm that the writing and/or material[s] that I am submitting is/are my own work or that I possess exclusive authority to submit said writing and/or material[s]. I further represent and affirm that I possess exclusive authority to surrender any and all ownership interests in said writing and/or material[s], including but not limited to any and all copyrights, trademarks, rights to control, rights to publication, and/or rights to royalties or other payment. By submitting this writing and/or material[s], I understand that I am transferring all ownership and intellectual property rights of said writing and/or material[s] to the State of California for the purposes of developing an historical archive to document stories from older adults in California, or any other lawful purpose. I understand that my original writing and/or material[s] may be displayed, published, and/or shared on social media accounts, websites, and other digital or print media.


*6. In making this submission, I represent that I am 18 years of age or older.


Thank you for your help in recording the experiences of California's older adults and ensuring a richer historic record for future generations. If you have any questions about this project or would like more resources, please e-mail us at cachronicles@aging.ca.gov.