Oral History Interviews Oral history is an interview that records a person’s recollection of experiences, thoughts, and feelings about a specific event or a period of time. By showing us how national or international events affected the lives of individuals, oral history adds a personal dimension to our study of the past.
Collecting oral history interviews is a way to discover your own primary sources. Members of your family and community can surprise you with a wealth of information and insights into major events of our times. These guidelines will help you organize an oral history interview.
Preparation First choose your subject. Whom would you like to interview? Consider the following: • What historical information could be obtained from this person? • Would this person be willing to participate? • How much time will you need to complete your project? Think about how you will record your subject's words. Get your subject's permission to record your interviews.
Planning the Interview • Write an introduction to your interview. Introduce yourself if necessary, and include an explanation of this project and its purpose. • Read the questions several times so that you are prepared. LISTEN CAREFULLY - If your interviewee answers another question as part of the answer to a different questions, skip that one when you get to it.
Conducting the Interview • Make an appointment with your subject and be on time. • Be sure your subject agrees to being recorded. Do a practice question and then watch it back to be sure the volume is adequate and the camera is set up properly. • Bring along these notes to help you guide the interview. Your subject may wander off with an interesting story. Continue with it as long as it adds to your understanding of the topic. It is ok if your subject tells you about more than you ask. Enjoy the learning process and getting to know a little bit more about this person. • When your interview is finished, explain to your subject that you will be using the information for a class project. Ask your subject how he or she would like to be referred to in the report or if he or she wishes to remain anonymous. • Be sure to write your subject a thank-you letter.