Oral History News

Oral History and Folklife Research, Inc. Announces Formation of New Nonprofit

 Keith Ludden, M.A., Intercultural and Folk Studies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3-5-14

Giving voice to history and preserving treasures is the mission of a new nonprofit organization formed this summer. The Maine-based Oral History and Folklife Research, Inc. organization will develop and design oral history projects and folklife studies in Maine, New England and beyond.

Since its founding in the summer of 2013, OHFR has worked with community groups and families, providing training workshops and developing oral history projects. The organization is currently developing projects to mark the 25th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act, and to document international social welfare projects sponsored by the Northern New England Rotary.

Folklorist and oral historian Keith Ludden, the founder of the organization says the organization will work with communities, schools and local organizations to explore  history through the eyes and voices of those who lived it. “If we want our communities to be strong and successful, and if we want the power to chart our own course,” says Ludden, “we must know who we are, and one of the best ways to know who we are, is listening to the stories that are told in communities.” Ludden, a former public radio journalist and graduate of Western Kentucky University’s intercultural and Folk Studies program, is joined in the venture by Molly Graham, of Portland, Maine. Graham is a professional oral historian and archivist. She graduated from the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies and holds a Master’s Degree in Library Science from Simmons College in Boston. Ludden has most recently conducted interviews among workers at the nation’s last sardine packing plant in Prospect Harbor, ME, and Graham recently served as oral historian for the Wisconsin Veterans Museum. FMI or to contact OHFR, Inc: oralhistoryandfolklife.org kjludden@roadrunner.com 207-458-1377.

Image 1: Keith Ludden presents slide/audio program featuring workers at the nation’s last sardine cannery at Prospect Harbor, ME at a Senior College Brown Bag Lunch on the campus of the University of Maine-Augusta.
Image 2: Molly Graham captures questions from the audience during a panel discussion at North Berwick, ME featuring veterans of Maine’s ski industry and their memories of Bauneg Beg Ski Resort.

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