Oral History
"Every time an old person dies, it is as if a library had burned down."
Alex Haley, author of Roots
| Introduction | Task |
| Process | Resources |
| Evaluation | Conclusion |
Objective: To preserve and share the memories of others.
Explanation: Without memories and documentation of those memories, we would have no history. Every human being is a piece of history with their own unique story to tell. Who in your life do you know that would like to share his or her story?
Procedure: This oral history project will be based on the theme "Life's Stories". Select an adult to interview and explain your project to them. Let them know you would like one to three pictures of them and that you will need to schedule two interviews with them.
You will present your final project to an audience composed of your classmates and the people they interviewed. You will have at least 5 minutes to explain your project to the group. Here are some tips on oral presentations.
Lesson 1: Preparing for the Interview
Review the list of discussion questions.
Decide which questions you would like to ask the interviewee. Begin with questions that will encourage the interviewee to give some of their background.
Request an interview and set up an appointment with the interviewee.
On an index card, record the following information and give it to your teacher.
1. The name, address, and phone number of the person you will be interviewing. (Be sure to ask that person for permission first).
2. Whether you will be recording your interview on audio, video, or on paper.
3. The date your first interview is scheduled to take place.
4. On the back of the card, list at least four questions you will use to initiate your interview.
5. Write a fifth question that you intend to initiate the topic of achievements.
Lesson 2: The First Interview
Arrive on time for your appointment, have questions ready to initiate the interview.
Be sure to record the date, person's name, and place of the interview on the audio tape, video tape, or paper.
Give the interviewee time to think and talk. Do not rush through the questions.
Leave pauses after the interviewee stops talking in case he/she thinks of something else he/she wants to add.
After asking background information, ask questions that encourage your interviewee to tell a story about an important memory. You may even want to prepare him/her for this question when you set up the appointment. Encourage him/her to share his/her memories and to elaborate on them.
Set up a time for your second interview.
Ask your interviewee to bring some pictures he/she would be willing to let you borrow for your report to the next interview.
When you are finished with your interview, be sure to thank the interviewee.
Lesson 3: After the First Interview
After the interview listen to the tape, watch the video, or carefully read your notes. Write down the information you would like to use in your report. (Keep this paper to hand in to your teacher.)
Think of follow-up questions to fill in any gaps you have in the interview.
Set up a second interview.
Lesson 4: The Second Interview
Arrive on time for the interview.
This interview should take no longer than 1/2 hour. (Unless the interviewee has thought of a lot of information they would like to add. This can often happen.)
Ask any remaining questions you may have to complete your interview.
Be sure to take the pictures your interviewee has brought for you to borrow. Be very careful with the pictures!
When you are finished with the interview, be sure to thank your interviewee.
Lesson 5: After the Second Interview
Collect all of the notes you received from both interviews on paper as a rough draft.
Rewrite the information into report format. At this point it is not necessary to concern yourself with editing. It is important that you collect your thoughts into a flowing story.
Hand in the notes you collected, the rough draft, and the audio tape, video, or written interview to your teacher for approval.
Research articles and clipart on the internet that relate to the person you interviewed. (Reflect back to things they said and did through out their life for tips on what to look for. If you are stuck, ask your teacher for help.)
Collect any artifacts that remind you of the interviewee. (Ex: pictures, flowers, fabric, ribbons, etc.)
Lesson 6: Final Project
Decide what form you want your project to take. This is your chance to be creative. You can use an album, triptych, large poster board, binder, etc.
The report should be edited and finalized. It should be about 1 1/2 typed pages. If a computer is not available, it may be handwritten with a total of about 3 pages. Do not skip lines on your final copy.
Collect your report, pictures, and related information (clipart, research, artifacts) and complete your project.
Complete your project using creative form.
Hand in your project on time.
This page provides links to some useful websites on the following topics:
This oral history project focused on the theme of "Life's Story". We all have stories to share and one person's stories are as important as another's. Did discussing the stories of others cause you to think about your life stories? If a student were to interview you for this project in 40 years, what things do you think you'll have to share with him/her?