Personal oral history interviews with family members, neighbors, or friends can complement, expand, and give context to what you learn from recorded data.
With the right questions and some thoughtful and careful listening, you’ll be able to capture revealing (and often amazing) stories. Interviews can be quite casual and brief
or more structured, thought out and time-consuming.
Some can be designed to lead to a specific project
– perhaps a written or digital archive, or a photo or storybook scrapbook. A parent or grandparent’s memories and recollections may be a rich source of useful information that could extend your knowledge back several generations.
At every level, the fascinating stories unearthed
in oral history interviews can enhance a deeper
understanding of our roots.
Join local resident Cynthia Hart, author of The Oral History Workshop, at the Family History Interest Group meeting on October 24 to learn ways to capture everyday life stories and family lore that can flesh out your genealogy.
Plan to join us for a lively and useful exchange.
You may have the chance to answer some of Cynthia's questions and perhaps discover something amazing yourself.
No experience in family history research is required for this meeting. All are welcome!