Oral+History



The most successful oral history projects are the result of a great deal of preparation on the part of the interviewer, i.e YOU. Be sure to do enough quality research on your topic so that you are well prepared and informed before you speak with the interview subject. This will allow you to ask better questions and to have more of a conversation with your subject rather than a very dry question and answer session. Visit these sites for examples of excellent oral history projects as well as guidelines for conducting interviews.

HISTORY MATTERS-ORAL HISTORY ONLINE http://historymatters.gmu.edu/mse/oral/online.html Go here for sample interviews and to get an idea of how great interviews are conducted.

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS VETERANS HISTORY PROJECT http://www.loc.gov/vets/moreresources.html Interviewing tips and resources.

VETERANS HISTORY PROJECT SUGGESTED QUESTIONS http://www.loc.gov/vets/vetquestions.html If you are interviewing a war veteran see these suggested questions.

VETERANS HISTORY PROJECT RESOURCE PAGE http://www.loc.gov/vets/youth-resources.html Find helpful weblinks for your background research on various US wars.

SOUTHERN ORAL HISTORY PROGRAM http://www.sohp.org/ If you are doing an interview on the topic of civil rights visit this site for examples.