Oral History at Home — Five Easy Steps

Introduction

This tutorial provides a straightforward guide to conducting oral history interviews at home. Oral history is a valuable method for capturing personal stories and experiences, creating primary source material for future generations. By following these five easy steps, you can start preserving unique narratives and historical insights from those around you.

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

Before starting your oral history project, ensure you have the right tools to record interviews effectively.

• Choose a Recording Device

  • Options include smartphones, digital voice recorders, or even laptops with recording software.

• Check Audio Quality

  • Test your device to ensure clear sound. Avoid environments with background noise.

• Gather Additional Supplies

  • Notepad and pen for jotting down key points or follow-up questions.
  • Optional: A tripod or stand for stability.

Step 2: Select Your Interviewee

Choosing the right person to interview is crucial for meaningful oral history.

• Identify Potential Interviewees

  • Consider family members, friends, or community members with interesting stories or experiences.

• Assess Their Availability

  • Ensure they are willing and have the time to participate in the interview.

• Discuss the Purpose

  • Briefly explain why you want to conduct the interview and what you hope to learn.

Step 3: Develop Your Questions

Crafting thoughtful questions will guide your interview and elicit rich responses.

• Create Open-Ended Questions

  • Examples include:
    • "Can you tell me about your childhood?"
    • "What was a significant event in your life?"

• Organize Questions Thematically

  • Group questions by themes such as family, education, or career to maintain a logical flow.

• Limit the Number of Questions

  • Aim for around 10-15 questions to keep the interview focused yet flexible.

Step 4: Conduct the Interview

This step is where the actual oral history takes place.

• Create a Comfortable Environment

  • Choose a quiet location where your interviewee feels at ease.

• Start with Small Talk

  • Begin with casual conversation to help your interviewee relax before diving into the questions.

• Listen Actively

  • Pay attention to responses and be prepared to ask follow-up questions based on what they share.

• Respect Their Pace

  • Allow the interviewee to speak freely; don’t rush them through their stories.

Step 5: Preserve the Recording

Once the interview is complete, it is essential to properly store and preserve the recording.

• Save the Recording

  • Transfer your audio files to a computer for backup. Use formats like MP3 or WAV for compatibility.

• Create Transcripts

  • Consider transcribing the audio to make the information accessible. This can be done manually or with transcription software.

• Store Safely

  • Keep your recordings and transcripts in a safe location, both digitally and physically, to ensure they are preserved for future generations.

Conclusion

Conducting oral history interviews at home is a rewarding way to capture personal stories and historical insights. By following these five steps—preparing your equipment, selecting interviewees, developing questions, conducting the interview, and preserving the recording—you can create a valuable resource that honors individual experiences. For further guidance on crafting questions and tips, visit the Smithsonian Institution Archives website for more resources. Happy interviewing!