Using Oral Histories in Research

Definition and Importance of Oral Histories

• Oral history: oral retelling of events by someone who directly experienced them.
  • Allows individuals to tell their own stories in their own words.
• Many oral histories are recorded via interviews, but some are less structured.
• Provide depth and dimension to events depicted in collections.

Example: Neil Atherton's Oral History

• Personal account as a gay man in a small town.
• Adds personal perspective to documented events in the collection.

Accessing Oral Histories

• Two ways to access:
  1. Full-length audio recording.
  2. Read transcripts of videos.
• Transcripts allow skimming and quick information gathering.
• Listening to audio captures tone and speaking style not apparent in transcripts.
• Strategy: Read transcripts first, then listen to selected audio parts.

Analyzing Oral Histories

• Key questions to consider:
  • Why was the oral history created?
  • What topics are covered?
  • What insights does the interviewee's story provide?
  • Is there personal or broader social/historical relevance?
  • What can interviewer-interviewee interactions reveal?

Case Study: Neil Atherton Interview

• Moved to Saugatuck-Douglas in the 1980s with partner Jim Yonro.
• Discusses:
  • Theft of business property.
  • Creative advertising.
  • Experiences as a gay man.
• Felt part of the community despite gay identity.
• Faced microaggressions from certain individuals.
  • Overall positive but not universally queer-friendly environment.
• Provides argument and insights on gay life in Saugatuck-Douglas area.

Conclusion

• Oral histories can reveal personal experiences and broader social dynamics.
• Use alongside other materials (e.g., ephemera) for comprehensive understanding.
• Further resources available in the Stories of Summer Collection video series.