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Despite thunderous skies outside the opening reception for “Humans of New Rochelle: The Exhibit” drew an enthusiastic crowd to the NRCA Rotunda Gallery a New Rochelle’s City Hall.

The exhibit builds on the “Humans of New Rochelle” archive (@humansofnewro) managed by Annie Gombiner and Veronica Yu, 2024 graduates of New Rochelle High School who are both heading to Harvard in the fall.  For the last three years the duo have produced the “HONR” Instagram, examining and celebrating the city’s diversity through a journalistic lens pioneered by the popular (20 million followers) “Humans of New York” site. Together Gombiner and Yu interviewed random citizens they met on the street (as well as some community movers and shakers), drawing out unique stories. Working with the New Rochelle Council on the Arts and Harvard’s SPARK program, Gombiner and Yu have now reimagined that HONR trove.

“Humans of New Rochelle: The Exhibit” features photographs of 13 interview subjects: Each panel features a photograph and a brief excerpt from the interview. Gombiner and Yu have reinterpreted their Instagram site as an interactive exhibit, providing a QR code for each panel that links to the entire interview and inviting  the public to participate by responding to prompts, writing their thoughts on sticky notes and attaching them to a blank wall.

Gombiner and Yu plan to continue adding to their archive over the summer; they will also be working with children and teens, encouraging them to tell their own stories at pop ups around the city. And on August 12th at 5:30 pm they will be holding a panel discussion at the New Rochelle Public Library with City Historian Barbara Davis on the importance of oral histories and the New Rochelle Public Library’s oral history collection. 

At the reception, which featured musical entertainment by HONR subject Jerry Hughes, the duo shared some of the HONR experiences. Annie Gombiner admitted that the  interview process — approaching complete strangers and “essentially asking them to tell you their life story” – can be daunting. “A lot of people do say no, which is completely understandable,” said Gombiner. “But so many people also say yes. And I think that is a testament to the spirit of New Rochelleans. So many people have opened up, shared stories, given advice, and helped me view things in a new light. Everyone in New Rochelle has a unique story and it is amazing how many people want to share those stories.”

Reflecting on her HONR experiences Veronica Yu said “Not only is it so eye-opening and fulfilling and inspiring to listen to people’s stories, but we also truly believe in this mission of giving others a voice.”

Gombiner agreed: “Connection is at the core of Humans of New Rochelle,” she said. “We really believe that authentic conversation leads to connection, and the connections you make with your neighbors are what defines your community.”

The exhibit and the planned programs are part of Harvard SPARK, an immersive, paid, six-week public service program for incoming first-year students in which they develop a public service project at home while receiving ongoing support from Harvard staff, faculty, and student leaders. The “Humans of New Rochelle” exhibit is being co-sponsored by the New Rochelle Council on the Arts (NRCA) and the City of New Rochelle Department of Development.

“I love the way Annie and Veronica capture our community in bite size pieces, recording the stories of our beautifully diverse population,” says Theresa Kump Leghorn, President of the New Rochelle Council on the Arts. “Humans of New Rochelle reminds us that every person you pass on the street has a story to tell — and together those stories create the beautiful mosaic that is our city, and our country.”

The NRCA Rotunda Gallery  — located inside New Rochelle City Hall, 515 North Avenue – is open daily during regular business hours.