In Their Words: Collierville Oral History Project is a long-term, community-centered initiative dedicated to preserving the personal stories of the people who have called Collierville home in one way or another. Through recorded interviews, the project captures memories, experiences, and reflections that rarely appear in official records, ensuring that Collierville’s history is told not only through dates and documents, but through lived experience. From everyday moments to pivotal periods of change, these stories reveal how national events, local traditions, work, family, and community shaped life in Collierville across generations.

At its core, In Their Words is about listening. The project values honesty, nuance, and humanity, allowing participants to define what matters most to them in their own voices and at their own pace. These oral histories will serve as a lasting resource for future exhibitions, educational programming, and research, while also honoring the individuals who make up the fabric of the town. By preserving these voices now, the project helps ensure that Collierville’s history remains inclusive, personal, and alive for generations to come. 

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The In Their Words: Collierville Oral History Project is made possible through a collaborative partnership between the Morton Museum of Collierville History, the Town of Collierville and the Friends of the Morton Museum.

The Friends of the Morton Museum have played a vital role in supporting the project by helping identify and connect interviewees while also providing essential fiscal funding. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to preserving Collierville’s history through the voices of its community and ensures that these stories are collected, cared for, and shared with the respect they deserve.