Cyrita Walls, founder of Memories in Writing, shares information about preserving family histories and personal legacies through storytelling and hardcover memory books. JavarJuarez©2026 Among the vendors present on Thursday was one whose work may carry the longest legacy of all. Cyrita Walls, founder of Memories in Writing, was on the floor gathering stories — which is precisely what her business does across South Carolina. "My inspiration was my grandmother," Walls said. "I gather things that I've learned from her as being younger — learning to cook, and you know those different values and things along the lines, and her root stories from how she may have came from the South, went to the North, migrated back to the South — would have been such an inspiration to be able to hear from her directly." What began as a family effort to hold on has become a statewide service. Memories in Writing works with families across South Carolina to record personal histories, capture photographs, and publish the whole of it as a hardcover book — a physical heirloom. “Our business gives people the opportunity to preserve their stories and capture their memories in a meaningful way, much like the family photo albums that have been passed down through generations,” Walls said. “What makes it unique is that we pair those memories with the stories behind them. We collect and organize that information, then publish it as a professionally bound hardcover book. Years from now, families can pass those books down to future generations, ensuring their history, experiences, and legacy are never lost.” To date, more than 100 families across South Carolina have shared their stories with Memories in Writing. The storytelling service is provided free of charge; only the publishing of the final book carries a cost. The organization's goal is to eventually expand beyond South Carolina. "Everyone has a story to tell," Walls said, "and we're here to get it." When asked about the connection between her mission and the broader work of aging and memory, she offered something close to a credo. "We never lose our story."

​ We invite you to hear from our founder about why this mission is so personal—and how your support helps bring untold stories to life.