Oral History Documentation

An oral history is a recorded audio or video interview in question-and-answer format. An oral history project is a series of oral history interviews focused on documenting a topic, theme, era, place, organization, event, or group of people. Oral histories capture the unique stories and first-hand experiences of individuals, families, and communities that are not recorded as paper documents and would otherwise be lost. It is a way to document the stories of everyday people so that their history is preserved. Archivists play a crucial role in preserving and providing access to the historical record. One of the most effective ways of achieving this is by collecting oral histories. Oral history interviews provide unique insights into the past and can help to fill gaps in the historical record, particularly in the experiences and perspectives of marginalized communities. There are several compelling reasons why archivists should conduct oral history interviews. 

Oral History x Agriculture Oral history in Black culture has so much significance to our existence and agricultural history, especially from elders in our community. When it comes to gardening, there's only so much experience that I've gained in this lifetime so I am always enthusiastically willing to accept the teachings and listen to stories from elders who are filled with indigenous and cultural knowledge about plants, climate, and the land. That type of knowledge exchange is invaluable and powerful. But WHY is oral history so important in agriculture? Slavery and colonialism exploited the agricultural knowledge and shattered the lives of our ancestors/elders. Let us not forget--for centuries, the majority of Black Americans were denied the ability to read and write, so they resorted to passing information through spoken word as an alternative to preserve their history and memories of their indigenous teachings and culture, of which have created the benefits we have today. Whole civilizations are built on the backs of successful agriculture and even Black Farms, despite the inefficient amount of financial support they receive to continue operations. And, as we continue to experience living in a time period where African American history is being banned across state lines-- purposefully erasing history-- I can't imagine what better way to reclaim POWER than through collecting oral history. Reclaiming our time and value. The heirloom gardens project, in collaboration with Princeton University, Spelman College’s Food Studies program, and the Ujamaa Cooperative Farming Alliance -- this collective is reminding us of a very important lesson, and that is to take the time to LISTEN & LEARN. There are so many valuable stories when it comes to gardening: generational seed collection, gardening techniques, family history, etc. And collecting oral history in this capacity allows our elders in our communities to be seen and reminded that they are valued beyond anything on this earth. I read these stories and they remind me of my own elders in my family and in my community. And I just hope we can continue to collect more of these so they are never lost, but protected. Knowledge is POWER. #Oralhistory #gardening #Garden #Indigenousknowledge #Preserveourhistory #History #knowledge #Blackpride #Agriculture #foodpractices #tradition #culture #foodtraditions #Food #Universities #Storycollection #storytelling #HBCUs https://lnkd.in/eqNjkN6V

Today’s Leading Generation Roundtable was all about legacy and preserving what matters most. Archivist Barbara Floyd shared ways family businesses can protect their history and use it as a strategic asset. Top takeaways: 1. Record oral histories! Capture stories from founders, longtime employees, and loyal customers. Their memories fill the gaps written records can’t. 2. Do a records inventory. Know what you have, where it’s stored, and what’s worth saving — including both business and family materials. 3. Make preservation part of your operations. Assign someone to lead the effort and keep it going. 4. Start today — don’t wait! Your business history is a powerful part of your identity and it can even be a strategic asset in branding, culture, and continuity. But it only lives on if you take steps to preserve it!