Do you ever see a stranger and wonder...
I’ve been asking that question since 2009 and have received more than 100,000 hand-written, true, and anonymous answers. Whether about love or loss, joy or fear, what they all have in common is an honest voice of the human experience. We’re living in a time where the differences between us are magnified. I believe that what starts as a simple act of listening can be a profoundly transformative experience. Exploring the lives of the people we share space with every day shows us how wonderfully human we all are. These stories engage strangers of all ages and backgrounds to reflect, rejoice, heal and connect through words.
Everyone has a Story
What started as a small experiment has grown into my life’s work, and I’m grateful it caught your eye. The Strangers Project is built to be explored — whether you’re here to read, to share, or simply to see what it’s all about.
If you’re curious about how it all began, you can learn more about the story behind the project. If you’d like to see it in action, you can plan a visit to the story wall in New York City. If you want to bring it to your own community, there’s a way to start that conversation. And if you believe in keeping this space open and free for everyone, your support makes that possible.
Wherever you choose to start, I’m glad you’re here. This space is for you.
Stay Connected From Anywhere
Step inside the project from wherever you are.
Each week, I’ll share a selection of real, handwritten stories from The Strangers Project, along with behind-the-scenes moments and reflections you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a way to pause, connect, and see the world through someone else’s eyes — delivered straight to your inbox, free.
From the walls of the Strangers Project.
Each of the 100,000+ stories in the project was handwritten on the spot by a stranger. The collection moves over time, but you can currently visit the exhibit inside the World Trade Center Oculus in NYC, where you can read thousands of stories — and if you choose to, add your own.
This space is for you.
Open for some story sharing before the blizzard hits!
This kid told me he put extra effort into his story just in case “like 20 or 40 people ever see it”
It would be fun if you all left a comment saying you saw it and from where in the world you are. 🌟
Hey everyone! Brandon here 💌
I wanted to do something a little special this weekend, so I’m teaming up with the wonderful @exa.kut for a Valentine’s pop-up at the space this Saturday. The exhibit will be open as usual with thousands of stories to explore, and we’ll also have a creative station in the back where you can make valentines—for friends, partners, strangers, yourself… anyone at all. No art skills needed.
You can take your valentine to share with someone in your life, or leave it with us and we’ll pass it along to a stranger. There will also be an optional chance to show what you made on camera to share with the world (totally optional—private creations are just as welcome). We may even have a few extra surprises for visitors as well.
Come by between 12–6 this Saturday, February 14 to join in, while supplies last. The space will also be open for regular reading and story-sharing as always. Free to visit, and donations are always appreciated to help keep the space going.
From the walls of the strangers project.
Currently at WTC Oculus. Hope to see you.
