The Oral History Section of the Society of American Archivists is composed of members of the Society and others who are interested in or are actively engaged in conducting oral history interviews and/or teach oral history methodology. The Oral History Section provides a forum for news, for discussion of issues and developments, and for establishing and maintaining communication and cooperation with other professional organizations.
News & Announcements
The Montana Historical Society Research Center has received a $4,500 grant from Humanities Montana to conduct a series of oral history interviews designed to begin capturing the history of modern craft brewing and breweries in Montana. Over the next two years, the project will gather oral histories that focus on the industry, beginning with the reemergence of microbreweries in the state in the 1980’s.
Oral histories serve as a window into the inner workings of Congress, granting unique access to campaigns, personal relationships, and behind-the-scenes details of the legislative process. This project highlights how ideas about gender influenced the working environment for women in Congress, as well as the often overlooked history of the congressional workforce.
The Flying Voices Oral History Project: In-flight and Ground Experiences of Braniff International Airways captures experiences and perspectives from former employees of the North Texas-based airline. Braniff shaped the aviation industry of the 1960s. The purpose of Flying Voices is to create a resource for future generations and scholars.
Archivists and special collections librarians across the country are employing myriad approaches to community documentation, ranging from crowdsourcing and scanning events to social archives, digital memory projects and documentary films. Archives Alive: Expanding Engagement with Public Library Archives and Special Collections (ALA Editions; 2015) is a book designed to highlight emerging trends in archival programming in the public library setting.
