Notes from Oral History Online Workshop

Introduction

• Speaker: Maggie Mayhem, Assistant Director for Community Engagement, State Historical Society of Missouri
• Purpose: To connect with audiences through virtual programming and provide an oral history workshop.
• Presenter: Dr. Sean Ross, Oral Historian specializing in 20th century U.S., Missouri, and African-American history.
• Support: Program supported by State Historical Society members and donors.
• Q&A: Questions can be submitted via Q&A and chat options; time reserved at the end for responses.

What is Oral History?

• Definition: A primary source involving interviews with eyewitnesses or individuals with first-hand knowledge.
• Significance: Offers context for historical events and enhances genealogy studies.
• Functions of Oral History:
  • Primary Source: Captures firsthand accounts.
  • Genealogy: Helps trace personal and family histories.
  • Filling Historical Gaps: Provides personal memories of events not covered in traditional sources.
  • Cross-Cultural Boundaries: Can include diverse voices from various social and economic backgrounds.

Steps to Initiate an Oral History Project

Understanding Oral History

• Learn: Attend workshops/webinars for foundational knowledge.
• Organizations to Explore:
  • Oral History Association (OHA): National and international oral history practices.
  • Institute for Oral History (Baylor University): Offers resources and grant opportunities.

Defining Your Project

• Considerations:
  • Scope: Localized, regional, statewide, or national focus?
  • Themes: Specific themes such as natural disasters, war experiences, etc.
• Examples from State Historical Society of Missouri:
  • Joplin Tornado Project
  • One-Room Schoolhouse Interviews
  • Veterans Oral History Projects

Selecting Interviewees

• Who to Interview: Relate to project focus (e.g., veterans, community members).
• Interview Duration: Decide between brief moments or life stories.

Equipment Needed

• Technology Options:
  • Zoom/webinar for remote interviews.
  • Traditional recording devices (e.g., H5 Zoom Recorder).
• Recording Devices: Consider reliability, quality, and ease of use.

Recording Preservation

• Long-Term Storage: Organize a plan for preserving recordings (e.g., cloud, external hard drives).
• Archiving Considerations: Ensure recordings are saved and backed up appropriately.

Preparing for the Interview

Research and Questions

• Preparation: Know your interviewee and their background before the interview.
• Questions: Develop a list of questions categorized by themes (e.g., family history, education).
• Useful Resources: Use ancestry sites and local libraries for research.

Packing for the Interview

• Supplies Needed: Recording equipment, consent forms, notes, snacks, etc.
• Be Flexible: Be prepared for various interview environments (indoors, outdoors, etc.).

Conducting the Interview

• Sound Check: Test equipment and assess the recording environment for ambient noise.
• Introduction Statement: Document metadata before starting the interview (name, date, location).
• Interview Duration: Aim for 1-3 hours; consider breaks to avoid fatigue.

Engaging with the Interviewee

• Open-Ended Questions: Encourage detailed responses.
• Read the Room: Be aware of interviewee's emotions.
• Recording Checks: Ensure recording devices are functional throughout.
• Handling Awkward Moments: Be mindful of pauses and side stories; maintain neutrality in controversial discussions.

Concluding the Interview

Post-Interview Steps

• Final Clarifications: Check for any new information or needed edits.
• Consent Forms: Ensure these are signed; outline usage of interviews clearly.
• Thank You Notes: Follow up with interviewee to maintain rapport.

Transcription Practices

• Transcription Options: Consider outsourcing or in-house transcription.
• Editing Considerations: Maintain the integrity of the original recording while addressing clarity and noise.

Oral History in the Digital Age

• Recording Formats: Use WAV files for long-term preservation; consider various recording devices.
• Digital Archiving: Ensure backups of digital files are made and preserved adequately.
• Funding Justifications: Understand and articulate the importance of oral history projects for potential funding.

Key Takeaways

• Be prepared and flexible; adapt to changes during the process.
• Engage deeply with the interviewee and be attentive to their stories.
• Maintain thorough documentation and organization for both interviews and recordings.