Audio Storytelling - Colorful Row Houses of Charlestown
Tools Used: Adobe Audition, Zoom Recorder
Project Type: Classroom Assignment
My Role: I researched the neighborhood, conducted interviews, and mixed the final audio.
About the Project A three-minute audio story exploring the history, character, and evolution of Charlestown’s iconic row houses. Created for my Fundamentals of Digital Journalism course, this piece combines narrative scripting, field reporting, and an interview with the Charlestown Preservation Society.
The Story
Charlestown is Boston’s oldest neighborhood, founded in 1628 and home to major moments in American history, including the famous Battle of Bunker Hill. Today, its red-brick homes, colorful row houses, and steep walkways offer a living glimpse into Boston’s past.
That history wasn’t always guaranteed. In the mid-20th century, urban renewal once threatened large parts of the neighborhood. In response, residents formed the Charlestown Preservation Society to document the architectural heritage of local homes and argue for their protection.
How I Approached It
I wanted the piece to feel like a walk through the neighborhood - part history, part preservation, part storytelling. I recorded interviews on a Zoom recorder, scripted a narrative that tied history to present-day architecture, and used ambient sound to build texture.
Final Outcome
A clean, warm audio story that highlights Charlestown’s layered history and the community efforts that helped protect it. This project sharpened my skills in interviewing, scripting for audio, narrative pacing, and sound mixing.