Free Stuff — Links to Helpful Oral History Websites

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Guides to Oral Histories

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE FOR ORAL HISTORY
This fabulous extensive oral history Workshop on the Web offers an introduction to oral history, tips for family oral histories, ethical and legal considerations, equipment considerations, interviewing tips, transcribing information and a transcribing style guide.

THE ONE-MINUTE GUIDE TO ORAL HISTORY
The one-page guide gives concise but essential advice to prepare for interviews.

AN ORAL HISTORY PRIMER
This primer, on the University of California Santa Cruz Web site, offers a working definition of oral history memoirs as well as tips on tape-recording equipment, contacting interviewees, breaking the ice, basic interviewing techniques, ethical and legal considerations and post-interview activities.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO ORAL HISTORY -FROM Do HISTORY
This step-by-step guide, prepared by Judith Moyer, discusses the definition of oral history; the sequence for research; guidelines and tips for asking questions; paperwork such as field notes, life history and forms; the accuracy of oral history; pinpointing problems in the interview; an extensive bibliography; and links to other oral history resources on the Internet.

Oral History Questions

FAMILY TREE MAKER’S GENEALOGY SITE: Suggested Topics and Questions for Oral Histories

Topics include the basics, childhood, family traditions, growing up, historical events, hometown, immigration, occupation, physical characteristics, previous generations, religion and other ideas.

JOURNAL JAR IDEAS
This “recipe for my life history” offers 104 ideas and questions to get people started recalling their pasts by describing specific details about children, home cures, favorite vacations, wedding dress and other topics.

ORAL HISTORY QUESTIONS—THE GENE POOL
This five-page list of oral history questions, compiled by Joanne Todd Rabun in 1993, covers the basics as well as specific details about the past and personality characteristics likes and dislikes.

A SCRIPT FOR VIDEO OR AUDIO INTERVIEWS WITH FAMILY MEMBERS
The script covers family history basics, early childhood memories, elementary school memories, high school memories, higher education, military service, adult life, career, marriage, children, travel, interests any personal effects felt as a result of historical events and taking stock and summation.

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