Humans of XX
A crowdsourced ethnographic encyclopedia of the 20th century
After the first twenty five years of the 21st century, it feels like the 20th century is finally over. We are in new and uncharted territory. As our world changes, it is time to preserve the world that came before.
Not just the grand history and the prominent individuals—those won't be forgotten—but the marrow of everyday life.
This platform is for recording the stories of everyday people who lived most of their lives in the 20th century. Here we can capture the voice, the scent, and the touch of times that are fading away, while we still have plenty of people who lived through them.
How It Works
Create a Profile
Add someone you know who lived most of their life in the 20th century. Just basic details—when and where they were born, key life events.
Get Interview Questions
Our AI creates personalized questions based on their life—not generic ones, but specific to their experiences and the history they lived through.
Record the Interview
Sit down for 30 minutes with your phone or recorder. In person, over Zoom, however works best for you both.
Preserve & Share
Upload the recording and photos. Our AI transcribes and creates a beautiful story page. Choose to keep it private for your family or make it public to preserve history.
Stories can auto-publish after a set time or date if desired.
Join the effort to preserve 20th century voices
Artwork: "The Mothers" by Käthe Kollwitz