Life Stories are Civic Stories

We produce and preserve stories of democracy. For more than fifty years, the Kunhardt family have conducted interviews and made documentary films about individuals and the events that have shaped our public life. These narratives provide reliable insight into the past while encouraging thoughtful engagement with the present. In 2017, we established Life Stories to ensure that our civic-minded storytelling remains free, accessible, and available for generations. 


In celebration of Civic Learning Week (March 9 -13th), we are highlighting and making available several civic-minded films and interviews from our extensive catalogue. We invite you and your students to watch and be in conversation with these stories. 


Films: (four from 18 available for schools, anytime)

Request a free link here

  • Becoming Katharine Graham
  • King in the Wilderness 
  • Soul of America
  • Obama: A More Perfect Union


Interviews (three examples from over 500+)


Join Civic Learning Week National Forum: Monday, March 9 & Tuesday, March 10

Hear from leading voices across the field of civic education on this year’s theme, “Liberty and Learning: Civic Education at 250.”


Register here for the livestream and join the conversation in real-time or access the recordings at your convenience. 

**Look for our Chief Development Officer, Laura Lambert, who will be attending in person!

Join the National Writing Project and 
Life Stories on March 23

4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET

The National Writing Project (NWP) began in 1974 and develops innovative programming in all 50 states that incorporates emerging technologies in writing and learning, with attention to civic engagement and community journalism. 


We are co-hosting a conversation with NWP showcasing Life Stories’ A Democracy Minute Learning Initiative 60-second perspectives exploring diverse points of view on democratic values, principled leadership, social movements, and our common purpose, all available on Life Stories’ YouTubeShorts and Instagram. These compelling segments keep conversations about democracy alive and current for use in classrooms, professional spaces, or shared with friends and family.


For more information, connect with NWP here.

Behind Her Eyes

Available Now for Schools!

Behind Her Eyes tells the powerful journey of Tova Friedman, one of the youngest survivors of the Holocaust who uses the power of social media to bridge across generations. 




Lessons are out for Season Three

of THE THREAD

Download Season Three Supplement 

Access the new “Common Threads” Lesson Plans 

FOLLOW LIFE STORIES