Current, former 4-Her's share their stories

Youth take part in Minnesota Historical Society 'Sharing Community Stories' intergenerational project

How does being a member of 4-H, University of Minnesota Extension's youth development program, impact the state's youth? Just ask the 4-H'ers.

4-H participants captured some of the ways the program makes a difference in their lives in June 2011, when they interviewed alumni from around the state and created short audio pieces to share with future generations.

The community of Minnesota 4-H has more than 100 years' worth of stories recounting lessons learned, moments of accomplishment, and tales about what actually happens behind the scenes at fairs.

Working in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society, 4-H youth learned how to collect oral histories, interviewing each other and alumni about their experiences, then recording and editing the interviews into audio podcasts.

Listen to some of their stories below.

Today, more than 131,000 Minnesota youth are active in Extension 4-H, accounting for nearly 12 percent of all youth in the state aged 5-19. Visit the Minnesota 4-H website for more information on how to get involved.

4-H in the 1940s and Now

Created by Jon Thompson and Ryan Ragoonanan with 4-H Alumnus Wayne Carlson and Team Mentor Kristie Shaffer

4-H Then and Now-What's the Difference

Created by Brenda Compean-Morales and Makaela Temte with 4-H Alumnus Sandi Fox and Team Mentor Kit Alviz

Achieving the Greater Good

Created by Kirti Sinha with 4-H Alumnus Margaret Anderson Kelliher and Team Mentor Saida Hassan

Bunch o Go-Getters

Created by Jacob Frandrup and Becca Newman with 4-H Alumnus Henry Fox and Team Mentor Mandy Martinson

Everyone Has a Story

Created by Chris Kirkwood and Hamza Mohamed with 4-H Alumnus Eric Agrimson and Team Mentor Alex Kuno

Family & Fair

Created by Jordan Shaffer and Braylon Temte with 4-H Alumnus Kelly Harder and Team Mentor Sara Given

Meeting Lifelong Friends

Created by Jordan Schuck with 4-H Alumnus Kevin Otto and Team Mentor Julia Ohmann

Nurturing Leadership Skills

Created by Birka Kebeto with 4-H Alumnus Kristin Geer and Team Mentor Tim Sayon

Pursue What You Love

Created by Faith Thompson with 4-H Alumnus Kathy Zeman and Team Mentor Ellen Rolfes

With All My Heart

Created by Natasha Sinha and Maggie Stiles with Then & Now 4-H Alumnus Laurie Pumper and Team Mentor Sandi Fox