Oral History for Family Historians [Facts and Fiction]: Written History Often Comes from Oral History

This book has several goals, each building upon the other. First, it is a handbook for anyone interested in expanding their family history research skills. In it, there will be discussion of the various elements needed to do the research, especially stressing inclusion of other sources in their search. It is a text to help grasp the meaning of oral history: what it is, how to use it, and the enhancing benefits to your family search. There is no level of experience that cannot benefit from oral history — beginners to advanced researchers.

Finally, it is a teaching tool to instruct readers on how to conduct oral interviews for family research, some of the equipment that is available, how that equipment is used, the type of questions to ask, and so forth. In addition, never forget that oral history should also be a written history and using accurate source citations, it becomes a valuable part of the research and analysis process.

Oral history is not just a collection of spoken memories — it is a vital part of written history and a valuable resource for family historians. Life stories will be cherished long after material possessions have faded away. This text intentionally includes ample space between paragraphs, providing readers room to jot down notes, reinforcing the idea that oral history becomes written history when documented. Appendices include an Interview Questionnaire, Release Agreement, and Website References. A Bibliography, Abbreviations and Glossary, and Reflections complete this work.

Sheila Benedict

2026, 8.5" x 11", paper, 132 pp.

ISBN: 9780788455506

101-B5550