1Heritage Story Zones: Revealing the Spirit of Place

Abstract. Storytelling is a powerful, but frequently overlooked, tool for the construction, interpretation, transmission, and preservation of cultural heritage. This paper argues that newly affordable multimedia tools – specifically, digital story stations – make it possible for local communities to resurrect and record personal stories associated with cultural heritage and the spirit of place. Through case studies, it explores the potential of digital technology to facilitate the creation of a “Heritage Story Zone” whereby individuals – both long-term residents and new migrants – can tell their own stories and immerse themselves in the stories of others, dynamically assigning meaning, value, and emotion to cultural expression. After presenting an overview of the costs an