How to Collect Oral Histories Collecting oral histories is exciting and fun, for it gives us the chance to meet with grandparents, parents, or others and get to know them better. Collecting oral histories and stories has become a popular and valuable activity in our society. As our older generation hands over to us the keys to the world, we often feel a sense of the significance of life if we listen to the stories of those who have gained so much wisdom from their diverse and myriad experiences. Of course, the project is certainly not limited to the elderly. People of all ages can participate in the collection and telling of oral histories. Collecting oral histories is most often done in the form of an audio or video taped interview. We have found much success interviewing two people at once, say a husband and wife. This adds a dynamism to the recording that makes it far more interesting to watch or listen to. Remember, however, that the collection of oral histories should not be in the form of a dialogue, but should be stories told by individuals. As interviewer, it is often wise to meet with the teller(s) beforehand and go over the process with them. This is a good time to have them sign the Personal History Release Form as well. One might start the session before the recording begins by explaining how the interview will proceed, and then asking a few questions to tantalize the teller’s memories. Tellers will often begin with story outlines rather than stories. These outlines may be missing details or contain sequences of events that may be in an awkward order. By having them review the stories first, this will give them a chance to present a more polished version for the recording. Once the interview gets underway, it behooves the interviewer to ask concise, tintillating questions, and then leave the bulk of the telling to the teller. It should not be a dialogue, but should be a selection of stories from a teller prompted by short questions. There is a list of helpful question topics at the bottom of this page. While videorecordings are often favored as the means of preserving oral histories since the subtleties of body language and facial expression can be captured, it is ironic that sound recordings are usually more emotionally engaging, unless the teller has practiced their storytelling skills and the stories involved. We greatly encourage this! We feel that rehearsal in no way detracts from the immediacy of told stories. Rather, the best qualities are preserved of both the teller and the stories involved. Still, both video and sound recordings are acceptable means of oral history preservation. An oral history interview should include the following information: Date of recording Place of recording Name of story, if applicable Full name of interviewee/storyteller Your name as “Collector” or "Interviewer" Please provide a list of key words to help researchers identify the subjects, places, and people involved. For example, an interview with my Aunt Lavird might include the following key words: Lavird Hansen, sourdough pancakes, hunting, death [her son died at age 17], Marysvale UT, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Big Rock Candy Mountain, quilting, Richfield UT, and others. Don’t be afraid of making a long list. If the subject is addressed in any detail, include it. Personal History Release Form Consider the following discussion areas for the taped interview. Childhood days Schooling Occupations and work life Religious experiences Community events and involvement Political involvement Transportation modes and experiences Crafts, folk arts, customs, traditions Encounters with the law Folktales, legends and superstitions Musical experiences or talents Experiences and involvement with war Memorable characters and/or incidents Marital experiences: first child, first date, wedding plans, etc. Timeline of their life What to do with a shy person. Hmm. That's a tough one. Here are a few suggestions: Remind the teller that you have enjoyed his or her stories so much over the years. You want to enjoy them more and make sure they are not lost! Indicate to the teller that though you have heard many of their stories, many folks haven't, including, for example, your children or others. Note how important their stories are to you and to the world. Suggest what great gifts these stories will make during the holidays or for birthdays. Offer to hide the microphone. Keep trying! Beyond Oral History Oral history includes telling outside of recording, too. Make sure your family or group has regular and planned times for members to tell stories about their lives!