This study examines U.S cultural values through the lens of family storytelling. Through an examination of 53 family stories, it addresses: the role of family storytelling in the transmission of cultural values; the existence of shared American cultural archetypes, motifs and themes; the existence of shared national values and the role of storytelling in promoting peace. As dynamic folklore, family stories are ideal instruments with which to tease out deep-rooted values. Stories are rich repositories of cultural schemas, the bricolage of information and attitudes that form our identities....