Rochester is built out of the stories of its people, and this week you can contribute to that foundation. "Rochester Stories: Seeking Histories Large and Small" is an event split in two parts. First, community historians will give short talks on a variety of topics in Rochester's past - the story of Midtown Plaza, the city's struggle for race and gender equality, and the history of the Memorial Art Gallery campus. Second, volunteers will record oral histories of anyone who wishes to participate. They will collect church stories, family histories, and even neighborhood tales. The theory is that the future of Rochester will be built on the stories of today.

Rochester Stories takes place Tuesday, May 6, 1-5 p.m. in the Eisenhart Auditorium at the Rochester Museum and Science Center, 657 East Avenue. Community stories will be gathered 1-7 p.m. in the lobby. Both events are free and open to the public. Call 271-2705 or visit rochesternota.org for more details.