Ted Memory Project
Memories make us who we are; they form our identity and tell a personal and collective story. Many people, however, suffer from degenerative illnesses like Alzheimer's disease that put their memories at risk. Images fade. A sense of being is lost.
Join TED and Lilly in preserving our most cherished memories, and add yours to our collective album.
The memories that shape us could be big or small. When you think about a memory you want to preserve, what feeling does that memory evoke?
Adventure 
Calmness 
Community 
Confidence 
Connection 
Excitement 
Security Here’s a sneak peek of the album filled with 315 memories from people around the world.
Confidence 
April, age 45:
In 2025 I was able to step out of my comfort zone and network on my own
Memory of Confidence N.16
Adventure 
Stephen, age 45:
An amazing trip we took to Jamaica and my first time presenting on the TED Stage!!
Memory of Adventure N.54
Adventure 
Tino, age 40:
Travel, exploration, and experiences forms who I am and will contiune to shape who I’ll become.
Memory of Adventure N.35
Adventure Aliceson, age 42:
Traveling and spending time with my family.
Memory of Adventure N.53
Calmness 
Burton , age 86:
Utilizing a variety of techniques for deep relaxation including listening to solfeggio music during sleep.
Memory of Calmness N.46
Connection Nancy, age 6:
There are so many things i love about my dad, and now that he is gone i dont want to forget all the wonderful things we did together
Memory of Connection N.29
Excitement 
Varun, age 19:
These are 4 separate memories from different parts of my life
Memory of Excitement N.14
Connection 
Steph, age 38:
The feeling of meeting my baby for the first time snd the quiet calmness of snuggling a newborn on the couch in the weeks that followed. May I never forget
Memory of Connection N.57
Security Alison, age 67:
Lying in my comfy, fluffy bed in my cherished home of my dreams, after driving my new car to talk at an AA meeting about things that I need to discuss that keeps me sober one day at a time.
Memory of Security N.20
Security
Sitting on the bathroom floor with my sister and my mom.
Memory of Security N.18
Confidence April, age 45:
In 2025 I was able to step out of my comfort zone and network on my own
Memory of Confidence N.16
Adventure Stephen, age 45:
An amazing trip we took to Jamaica and my first time presenting on the TED Stage!!
Memory of Adventure N.54
Adventure Tino, age 40:
Travel, exploration, and experiences forms who I am and will contiune to shape who I’ll become.
Memory of Adventure N.35
Adventure Aliceson, age 42:
Traveling and spending time with my family.
Memory of Adventure N.53
Calmness Burton , age 86:
Utilizing a variety of techniques for deep relaxation including listening to solfeggio music during sleep.
Memory of Calmness N.46
Connection Nancy, age 6:
There are so many things i love about my dad, and now that he is gone i dont want to forget all the wonderful things we did together
Memory of Connection N.29
Excitement Varun, age 19:
These are 4 separate memories from different parts of my life
Memory of Excitement N.14
Connection Steph, age 38:
The feeling of meeting my baby for the first time snd the quiet calmness of snuggling a newborn on the couch in the weeks that followed. May I never forget
Memory of Connection N.57
Security Alison, age 67:
Lying in my comfy, fluffy bed in my cherished home of my dreams, after driving my new car to talk at an AA meeting about things that I need to discuss that keeps me sober one day at a time.
Memory of Security N.20
Security
Sitting on the bathroom floor with my sister and my mom.
Memory of Security N.18
More than memories
The original video series The Memories That Make Us features three TED speakers sharing personal memories that shaped their lives and identities. Watch as filmmaker Jon M. Chu, baker Christina Tosi and restauranteur Will Guidara take us on an emotional journey highlighting the power of memory and the importance of human connections.
Identity and belonging: The Memories That Make Us
Jon M. Chu, Acclaimed Film Director
Jon M. Chu recalls his early childhood experience of filming and editing home movies of his family, a pivotal time that would influence his work on later films like Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights.
Breaking the rules: The Memories That Make Us
Christina Tosi, Award-Winning Chef & CEO of Milk Bar
Christina Tosi remembers how a seemingly ordinary car ride with her mom and sister inspired the launch of her unconventional dessert empire, Milk Bar — and guides her search for joyful, rule-breaking moments with her two children.
The power of hospitality: The Memories That Make Us
Will Guidara, Restaurateur and Author
Will Guidara reflects on how a magical evening at a New York City restaurant taught him the power of hospitality, shaping a career centered on giving people extraordinary experiences.