How do you prepare an oral history project?

8 Steps

1. Starting on an oral history project: deciding on scope, scale, and themes.
2. Personal and/or institutional motivations.
3. Laying the groundwork.
4. Interview preparation and background research.
5. Equipment.
6. Conducting the interview.
7. Thinking about the “final” project.
8. Permanent access for future generations and communities.

What does oral history mean in history?

What is Oral History? Oral history is a method of conducting historical research through recorded interviews between a narrator with personal experience of historically significant events and a well-informed interviewer, with the goal of adding to the historical record.

What is the value of oral histories?

Oral history helps round out the story of the past. Oral history provides a fuller, more accurate picture of the past by augmenting the information provided by pub- lic records, statistical data, photographs, maps, letters, diaries, and other historical materials.

How do you record oral family history?

Tips for Recording Your Family History

1. Get yourself a digital audio recorder.
2. Make a plan.
3. Schedule a time to sit down for a few hours, maybe over a couple of sessions, and record your interviewee’s recollections.
4. Transcribe your interview.
5. Donate your interview.

Is oral history valid?

Because oral histories rely on the memory of individuals, some of my colleagues believe they are less reliable sources than written documents. But oral histories really can correct, confirm, and add to the historical record.

How do you write an oral history paper?

Sequence for Oral History Research

1. Formulate a central question or issue.
2. Plan the project.
3. Conduct background research.
4. Interview.
5. Process interviews.
6. Evaluate research and interviews and cycle back to.
7. Organize and present results.
8. Store materials archivally.

What is oral family history?

What Is an Oral Family History? An oral family history is not the facts (such as the births, marriages and deaths) but the stories behind those events. In terms of good interview questions, an oral history is more about why and how, rather than what, where and when.

Why is oral history is not reliable?

When using oral history as a source material, several caveats exist. The person being interviewed may not accurately recall factual information such as names or dates, and they may exaggerate.

How do I record my family oral history?

How can I record my parents history?

There are a few options to consider:

1. Audio Recording: Using the Voice Notes/Memo app on your smartphone and a lavalier microphone (or an old school recorder), conduct and record a life story interview.
2. Video Recording: Video is arguably the most compelling format to record your parent’s life story.