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Share Your Story

Share Your Story
The author and his sister, clad in Bicentennial garb.

The American Seam

WIN explores the seam between public history and personal memory—the place where America's story and your story connect.

The tale of Gerald and Betty Ford is a snapshot of 20th-century Americana (especially the '70s), but it's also a timeless story about character, family, and leadership. We believe the most powerful history is a shared one, woven from many different threads. This is your invitation to add your thread to WIN's "American Seam." Your memories and reflections will become part of the living archive of this musical, inspiring future website exhibits and conversations as we grow.

P.S. Photo submission (option coming)

Meet the Team →

"Win some, lose some, winsome again"

Betty Ford — from Winsome Times

"You know that thing that shouldn’t happen, then it happens?"

Junior Gerald Ford — from Getting There

"If the rooms had been someplace else, there would be no Gate"

Richard Nixon — from For the Record

"All aboard the carousel; Where, when stable starts to smell; Just look up, around as well; Other riders parallel; Maybe one will ring your bell..."

The Muse, M — from Rapids Redux Carousel

"No matter IF or HOW, the systems sure SEEMS broken
And if the people, having spoken…"

Jimmy Carter — from Nuts and Jolts

"Able-bodied, field or pool; Trained to keep most of my cool"

Gerald Ford — from Remarkably Unremarkable

🎧 Hover or tap a lyric to hear its story