Filming is under way for the next “Stories of Chelsea” oral history project of the Chelsea District Library, and the library is asking members of the farming community to volunteer their experiences.

The project films interviews with local residents discussing their stories and experiences, incorporates them into documentary films and makes them available online, said Sarah Wedell, head of adult services.

First up was a film about one room school houses and the local people who attended them. That was followed by a documentary about local World War II veterans, which was screened in November. Not only is the documentary available online at Stories of Chelsea, but also the longer individual interviews with the veterans.

About 120 people attended the screening of the World War II film at the Chelsea Retirement Center.

The oral history project began in 2008 in partnership with the Chelsea Senior Center for the 50-minute one room school house documentary, Wedell said. Since then, the library received a $25,000 grant from the Chelsea Community Foundation to preserve other areas of Chelsea history. The library is now seeking stories about farm and village life and local landmarks.

“ For each of those areas, ‘Stories of Chelsea” has feedback forms requesting suggestions from the community to help us identify interview subjects,” Wedell said.

In addition, the websitet has a historic photo collection, with each image set alongside its present day photo for comparison.

“The Chelsea community history project is a gift to the entire area,” said Chelsea Mayor Jason Lindauer. “It documents and shares the actual stories that are our local history, delivered first-hand by those who lived it. The ongoing oral history initiative allows us all in the Chelsea area to take ownership of this permanent record of fascinating photos, remembrances and artifacts that have made us who we are.”

Because of the library, these stories are now permanently preserved and accessible, he said.

Library Director Bill Harmer said he wants the library to play a more prominent role in the community and the history project is one step toward that goal.

The library has “transcended the traditional role of repository,” Lindauer said. “It has become a community center, a lifelong learning platform, and a technology gateway. The library is again bringing people together, strengthening our community identity and preserving the history that contributes so much to the overall health of this great small town.”

Lisa Allmendinger is a reporter for AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at lisaallmendinger@annarbor.com. For more Chelsea stories, visit our Chelsea page.