History

Nearly a decade ago, as Richard and Michele Steckel looked at the mayhem of ethnic cleansing, race riots and religious hatred, they decided they had to do something to change the way people dealt with one another. They believed that if people could see how we are alike, rather than focusing on how we are different, we would be more accepting and understanding, and even respectful, of our differences and of one another.

Based on this belief, they founded the Milestones Project and began photographing children of all races, religions, and cultures at the ‘milestones’ in their lives that are common to all of us. First tooth, first best friend, first day of school, first haircut – they traveled the world photographing children and getting them to write their stories. They collected quotations and testimonials from some of the world’s most significant leaders and humanitarians to back up their photographs. They committed their lives to this monumental initiative – and with stunning results.

The beautiful Milestones photographs have inspired managers of public places, where people of different races and cultures gather or pass through and experience these remarkable examples of commonality. They have inspired schools to teach multi-cultural awareness and acceptance to children, teachers and parents, using the Milestones books. They have touched lives around the world – from generating a national dialogue on race relations in New Zealand to finding the words that heal on a library shelf in New England.

Chronology of the Milestones Project:

1998
This is the year of the Milestones concept origination. We consult anthropologists on universal milestones of childhood. We seek advice of photographers and photo editors about best equipment to purchase. We purchase a Nikon camera system.

1999
We take our first “test photos” in Ecuador. We then go to Kenya for more photos.

2000
Slovakia is our first core country photo shoot as we work with Children of Slovakia Foundation. Working with the Irish Youth Foundation, Ireland is our second core country.

2001
The year begins with photos taken in Egypt and Indonesia. Partnering with the Youth Development Trust, South Africa is our third core country photo shoot. We then go to Lesotho and the United States of America – the fourth core country. Next it’s on to Venezuela and the Philippines, our sixth core country. We complete the year in Mexico, the seventh core country, in partnership with the Vamos Foundation.

2002
Shooting in partnership with the Organization Adesa Peru, Peru is our first visit of 2002 and eighth core country. Working with various organizations including the Napier Kindergarten Association, New Zealand becomes our ninth core country. From there we travel and shoot in Philippines, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and India. The original Milestones Project web site is designed and launched by Wayne Rigsby and Jeff Johnson of Gearbox Creative and a prospectus is produced.

2003
This year begins with our first corporate presentation of a Milestones Project exhibit. St. Lucia becomes our tenth core country for photographs. The Milestones Project receives the Global Tolerance Award from the Friends of the United Nations. We also announce the Peace Prize for Children and sign a book contract with Tricycle Press.

2004
Denver Children’s Museum exhibition opens followed by the Denver Public Library exhibition. The Milestones Project Book is published. The Milestones exhibit lands at Denver International Airport and Daz Bog Coffee is the host of a corporate exhibit.

2005
We venture to United Kingdom – begin taking photos for new categories: Grandparents, Tween, and Faith. The Milestones Project Book wins Notable Book Award from the Children’s Book Council and The National Council for the Social Studies. We travel to New Zealand for more photos and then on to Belize, our eleventh core country. The Milestones Project receives Ambassador of Peace Award from the Conflict Center in Denver. Exhibitions take place in Denver, Miami, Auckland (New Zealand), Wellington (New Zealand), Heathrow (UK), and Manchester (UK) airports.

2006
We travel to Ecuador for a photo shoot for new board books, and to Turkey, our twelfth core country for faith photos. Milestones Project exhibitions are in Denver, Christ Church (New Zealand), East Midlands (UK), Salt Lake City, Ft. Wayne, Orlando, Dallas, Houston, and San Diego airports. Exhibits open at the University of Colorado, Gold Bug corporate headquarters, and the University of Denver’s School of Social Work. We publish two interactive workbooks in Spanish and English in partnership with Great Kids Head Start Program. Joint ventures begin with VOA Southeast to produce a faith book, and with Assets for Colorado Youth to produce a poster and journal. Milestones Project is nominated for the Samaritan Award – Daniels School of Business, University of Denver, and the Purpose Prize.

2007
The new Milestones Project Website is designed and launched by Good for Business. Milestones Project receives the Make a Difference Award from Mile Hi Church in Denver. The Milestones Project’s second book, Faith: Many Beliefs, So Much in Common is published. Also published is a new activity book, Now It’s My Turn!