
Help maintain the American Story archive at Syracuse University. I’m donating the proceeds of my New York Times Best Selling book to keep the storytelling flame burning. The Perfect gift for someone who needs a lift. (Don’t we all?) Stories of seemingly ordinary people who have found solutions to problems we all face. A book about the best of us.
Get your autographed copy of for just $20.
Click on:
https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/6UREHX7JCWBBJ
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Recently Posted American Stories

VOLUNTEER CAFE SAVES TOWN
There are a lot of little towns in farm country fighting for their lives. In Havana, North Dakota, the sun hasn’t set. When the town’s cafe went under, all 158 people in town volunteered to cook. It became something of a competition. They made $51,000, enough to open a new grocery store, build sidewalks and put an archery range. Now they dream of a jacuzzi.
Photographer for Life
Photographer for Life
Milton Rogovin grew old watching his neighborhood grow up, sharing the yearbook of their lives. He was still photographing them at age 100, surrounded by friends who were now taking his picture — the “forgotten ones,” who did not forget him.
Home Plate Wedding
Some folks do not see limits, only opportunities. Ed Lucas decided he wanted to broadcast baseball games, after watching the first nationally televised playoff. He ran outside to celebrate his decision. The twelve year old fired a fastball to a boyfriend...
“These are remarkable and poignant stories that need to be told.”
KEN BURNS
“Those of us who know and work with Bob Dotson stand in awe of his gifts as a writer. Like the work so many viewers have come to love on NBC, this collection of stories captivates and inspires.”
- SAVANNAH GUTHRIE
“Throughout his remarkable career Bob Dotson has searched for the real essence of America – not by interviewing the so-called famous but by seeking out those unnoticed people we pass by every day. Dotson is a national treasure for caring enough to listen.”
- MEREDITH VIERA