Oral history

We all have stories to tell, stories we have lived from the inside out. Oral history listens to these stories.

Oral history is the systematic collection of living people’s testimony about their own experiences.

• Oral histories as a research method (PDF)
• Sources of information on equipment (PDF)
• What is an interview? (PDF)

Historians have finally recognized that the everyday memories of everyday people have historical importance. If we do not collect and preserve those memories, those stories, then one day they will disappear forever.

Online resources

Introductory materials

• Step-by-Step guide to Oral History - Detailed resource by Judith Moyer, covering advantages and issue of oral history, as well as offering bibliographies and examples of related paperwork

• Principles and best practices - Detailed document from the Oral History Association

Further resources

• Reflections on the use of oral history techniques in social research - Extensive essay by Elaine Batty on the history and debates around oral history in a social science context

• Training in oral history - Useful resources with a focus on OH practice in the UK, from East Midlands Oral History Archive
• Oral history - resources from methods@manchester

Video

• Oral history research method - YouTube (barbaramitra) with video introduction from Sue Johnson (University of Warwick)

Oral History digital projects

There are many very specific projects available online related to specific localities, but here is one more general website.

• Dedalo website - Open source software platform for managing and sharing an oral history project