States of America

States of America started with a simple premise: What is it that connects us to the state where we live? How does this place define us?

Joyce Thomas moved from St. Vincent to the United States after reading a newspaper ad for housekeeping jobs. She eventually ended up in Connecticut and began working with children.

Looking at the bonds of community and what makes us feel rooted to a place and its people.

Exploring what it means to be from a place and how where we live help form our identities.

After moving to New Hampshire from Kentucky, Lisa embraced her north-south heritage.

As a quadriplegic, Virginia's wheelchair accessible taxis allow Daniel to be spontaneous.

Karen loves her New York community and the people she gets to meet when volunteering.

Paul's dream of owning a home came true, but moved from North Carolina to to pay for it.

Rhode Island native Jack believes the people you spend your life with can inspire you.

Kelly built a house in Vermont to give her family a connection to a place she never had.

Born and bred Hoosier Randy explains the value he places on his sense of belonging.

Nathan finds the sense of belonging and contentment he had been searching for in Chicago.

Nancy pursues her life's purpose of bringing laughter, joy and umbrella covers in Maine.

After a life-changing illness, Sarah is building a new type of homestead in Missouri.

Beth's music brings people together to dance in a scene of pageantry and unity in Iowa.

Hmong refugee Xong is determined to help the younger generation stay connected.

In her small Minnesota town, Kathy has found hidden charms and meaning at every turn.

With a multicultural family, I-Shüan's priority is to live in diversity embracing Oregon.

Hanna negotiates talking with her West Virginia neighbors and their opposing ideologies.

In Nevada's desert, Clay is healing from his son's suicide through public service.

In music, Dereck no longer seeks permission to belong in his white Nebraska community.

Dave's insight into Montana's past allows him to observe rapid evolution in the present.

With a thriving berry farm in Washington, Mohinder is now helping other Sikh farmers.

Residing in Idaho most of his life, Mexico-born Evaristo lives between two cultures.

Like many in Jackson, Wyoming, Sven balances paying the bills and pursuing the next peak.

Living near Utah's Arches National Park, Daniel believes that wherever we are is our home.

Narrowly surviving a tornado, Chuck was determined to rebuild his home on the same plot.

Dedicated to the Navajo Nation people, Floyd has witnessed their struggles and dualities.

LaVona was born on the same day Arizona became a state – tying their identities together.

Patricia, a master quilter and culture advocate, says that being Hawaiian is her pulse.