Oral history records lived experience that may never appear in official documents. The memories of elders can illuminate family histories, village life, migration, faith, education, conflict, music, language, and social change.
Prepare Carefully
Identify the purpose of the interview, learn about the subject, prepare open-ended questions, and choose a quiet location. Obtain informed consent before recording.
Ask Open Questions
Invite the narrator to explain events in their own words. Ask follow-up questions about names, dates, locations, relationships, and meanings without forcing a preferred answer.
Preserve the Recording
Keep the original recording, create a backup, prepare a transcript, document the interview date and location, and record any restrictions requested by the narrator.
Oral history should preserve dignity as well as information. Sensitive stories involving trauma, conflict, family privacy, or vulnerable people require additional care.
