| Schedule | Recorded Presentations & Videos | Instructor Bios |
Welcome!
Thank you for registering for the online course, Conducting, Collecting, and Recording Oral History Interviews!
How many times have you regretted not asking a grandparent or parent a question about your family? The recollections, reminiscences, and stories of living family and community members can be just as important—if not more so—than traditional, document-based genealogical research. Oral history breathes life into your genealogy, provides a greater understanding of your family story, and forges new connections. Whether you are interested in capturing the stories of an individual, a family, or a community, oral history projects require a methodical approach. This interactive, three-part online course will give you the tools to organize your oral history project and results, encourage meaningful and productive conversations, record interviews, and share your findings with generations to come. All materials available to registrants until the end of September 2019.
This course includes three 90-minute classes; exclusive access to handouts and recordings of each presentation; and in-depth q&a sessions with the instructor.
COURSE SCHEDULE
You will have access to all the material on this page from the time you register until September 30, 2019. Return to this page often for additional resources!
| Course Activity | Dates of Access | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Course web page and resources | Date of registration to 9/30/19 | Access handouts and other course materials from home. |
| Class #1 | ||
| Class #1: Online presentation (live!) | 6/5/2019, 6:00 pm EDT | Getting started Presented by Stephanie Call This first class will introduce you to the basics of oral history. We will explore different types of projects, provide tips on how to develop leading questions, and show you how to build your project plan. |
| Video of Class #1 | 6/6/2019 to 9/30/19 | Watch the first class presentation. Available exclusively to course participants. |
| Class #2 | ||
| Class #2: Online presentation (live!) | 6/12/2019, 6:00 pm EDT |
Technology and Preparations Note: To attend, return to your confirmation email received at the time of registration with a link to the live event. If you are unable to attend the live event a recording will be posted to this page, the following day (see below). |
| Video of Class #2 | 6/13/2019 to 9/30/19 | Watch the second class presentation. Available exclusively to course participants. |
| Class #3 | ||
| Class #3: Online presentation (live!) | 6/19/2019, 6:00 pm EDT |
Preserving and Using Oral Histories Note: To attend, return to your confirmation email received at the time of registration with a link to the live event. If you are unable to attend the live event a recording will be posted to this page, the following day (see below). |
| Video of Class #3 | 6/20/2019 to 9/30/19 | Watch the third and final class presentation. Available exclusively to course participants. |
RECORDED PRESENTATIONS
Class #1: Getting Started
Presented by: Stephanie Call, Associate Director of Archives and Education
Running Time: 1:26:47
This first class will introduce you to the basics of oral history. We will explore different types of projects, provide tips on how to develop leading questions, and show you how to build your project plan.
Class #2: Technology and Preparations
Presented by: Stephanie Call, Associate Director of Archives and Education; Meaghan E. H. Siekman, Genealogist of Newbury Street Press
Running Time: 1:27:20
In this class we will discuss a number of logistical and technological tools that can be used in recording and organizing interviews.
Class #3: Preserving and Using Oral Histories
Presented by: Meaghan E. H. Siekman, Genealogist of Newbury Street Press
Running Time: 1:33:33
Now that you have a series of interviews, how do you share the information? This class will discuss several options, including incorporating results into your family history research, transcription, publication, and donation to an archive—all with an eye to protecting your interviewees and the information disclosed.
INSTRUCTOR BIOS
Stephanie Call, Associate Director of Archives and Education, Stephanie has been with the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center at New England Historic Genealogical Society since 2007 (when it was the New England Archives of the American Jewish Historical Society). She is responsible for overseeing the JHC archival collections, creating educational programming and content, and conducting outreach. Stephanie received a B.A. in English and Jewish Studies from Mount Holyoke College and a M.S. in Library and Information Science with a concentration in Archives Management from Simmons College. She is a member of the Society of American Archivists and the New England Archivists.
Meaghan E. H. Siekman, PhD, Genealogist of the Newbury Street Press, Meaghan holds a PhD in history from Arizona State University where her focus was public history and American Indian history. Prior to joining American Ancestors, she worked as Curator of the Fairbanks House in Dedham, Mass. and as an archivist at the Heard Museum Library in Phoenix. Meaghan's areas of interest include American Indian history and lineage; African American research; colonial New England, New York, and German genealogy; immigration to America; westward migration and settlement; and tracing maternal lines.
COURSE HANDOUTS
Class 1 Handout
Class 1 Slides Worksheet
Class 1 Slides (large)
Class 2 Handout
Class 2 Slides Worksheet
Class 2 Slides (large)
Class 3 Handout
Class 3 Slides Worksheet
Class 3 Slides (large)
RESOURCES
Interview Information Form
Family History Questionnaire
Sample Release Form