Help Celebrate 50 Years of Community at the Troy-Hayner Cultural Center
Submit your memories, photos, and stories to be considered for a special 50th Anniversary commemorative book
Book Title:
The Troy-Hayner Cultural Center
An Elegant Mansion Transformed for the Community
Book Title:
The Troy-Hayner Cultural Center
An Elegant Mansion Transformed for the Community
Do you have memories from growing up in Troy, Ohio? Old wedding or prom photos taken at the Hayner? Stories about PorchFest, Holiday Open House, concerts, art classes, or even a ghost story from the historic mansion on West Main? We are collecting Troy Ohio memories, photos, and personal stories for this special 50th Anniversary coffee-table book.
What Is the Hayner Story Project?
The Hayner Story Project is a community storytelling initiative gathering memories from residents, families, artists, musicians, students, and visitors who have been shaped by the Troy-Hayner Cultural Center. Since opening as a community cultural center in 1976, the Hayner has hosted weddings, recitals, proms, art exhibits, music performances, school field trips, community events, and celebrations that define life in Troy.
Your memory may become part of a full-color 8.5x11 commemorative book celebrating 50 years of the cultural center’s history — a legacy piece to be shared with future generations.
What Kind of Stories Can You Submit?
Big stories, small stories, joyful stories, unforgettable or everyday moments — they all matter.
Popular memory topics to consider:
- Wedding photos & celebrations at the historic mansion in Troy, Ohio
- Prom memories or school dances in the ballroom
- Art classes, music lessons, galleries & performances
- Concerts, recitals, PorchFest memories & community events
- Holiday Open House traditions
- Ghost stories & local folklore from the mansion
- Troy High School memories connected to the Hayner
- Family traditions, friendships, & special milestones
If it mattered to you — it belongs in the history of Troy.
How to Submit Your Story & Photos
Sharing your memory is easy and takes just a few minutes.
Choose one of these options:
- Fill out the online story submission form (button below)
- Upload photos directly in the form
- Request an interview if you’d rather talk than write
- Choose anonymous participation if preferred
Please note: Due to space limitations, not every submission can be included in the final book or exhibit, but all stories will help us understand and honor the many ways the Hayner has served the community.
What Happens After You Submit?
Your story will be reviewed for possible inclusion in:
- The 50th Anniversary commemorative book
- 2026 anniversary exhibits and displays
- Digital and printed storytelling presentations
Stories may be lightly edited for clarity and length while preserving your voice and meaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a writer?
Do I have to be a writer?
No. Just tell us what happened and why it matters — we’ll handle polishing. You can also ask to be interviewed!
How long should my story be?
How long should my story be?
Anything from a single sentence to several pages is welcome.
Can I submit photos without a story?
Can I submit photos without a story?
Yes. Photo-only submissions are encouraged. You are also welcome to bring physical photos to the center.
Can I submit more than once?
Can I submit more than once?
Yes. Multiple entries are welcome.
Is there a deadline to submit?
Is there a deadline to submit?
We encourage early submissions so our team has time to review and design layout. Collection continues through May 2026.
Will every story be included?
Will every story be included?
We will publish as many as possible, but space is limited.
Are ghost stories allowed?
Are ghost stories allowed?
Absolutely, they are part of our community folklore and history.
Can organizations or groups submit stories together?
Can organizations or groups submit stories together?
Yes. school classes, musical groups, wedding parties, event teams, and community organizations are welcome to submit group stories.
I have a story about the Library, can I share it?
I have a story about the Library, can I share it?
You are welcome to share stories about the mansion being the town library however they will not be included in this book about the center specifically.