A pilot adult basic education (ABE) language experience curriculum was designed and implemented with older adults in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. The objectives were to improve writing skills, to increase self-esteem, and to create a historical record of the area as seen through the eyes of the average older citizen who had lived through many eras. The writings were compiled into a book written by a cross-section of people. The book will become a component of selected social studies curricula throughout the county and will also be available at a local store. As a result of the project, the average reading gain was .4; the pre- and postcourse writing samples showed an average improvement of 12 points; and a self-esteem survey increased from pre- to postadministration by an average of 15 points. Evaluation of the project revealed that the senior citizens were motivated by a desire to share their experiences, not by a need for academic gain, and they tended to remain in the class only as long as they were interested (the course enrollment dropped from 30 to 13 during the project). However, some students were extremely enthusiastic. (The document includes the writing sample evaluation scale, a self-esteem survey, a curriculum synopsis, and the book of reminiscences produced during the project.) (KC)