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Oral History: OH Process

An Overview of the Oral History Process

Oral history is a form of research that focuses on creating historical primary sources by engaging directly with people and recording their life experiences and memories. The term "narrator" is often used to refer to the interviewee in the oral history process. Narrators can be selected for a variety of reasons, such as having experienced a historical event first-hand, having personal knowledge about a particular topic, having lived in a specific place, being a member of a cultural group, etc.

The concept of co-creation is an important aspect of the oral history interview process. Both the interviewer and narrator are considered co-creators of the resulting primary source. Even after the interview is completed, the narrator retains ownership over the generated content. Therefore, the narrator's wishes regarding things like publication and reuse of the interview must be respected.

Another important aspect of oral history is that the interviews must be recorded and archived. This is what makes the interview a historical primary source that can be consulted and reutilized by future researchers.

The following quote from the Oral History Association's Core Principles document summarizes several fundamental concepts of the OH process:

"The hallmark of an oral history interview is a dynamic, collaborative relationship between the interviewer and the narrator. While interviewers pose questions based on research and careful preparation, narrators shape the interview based on what they deem to be relevant, meaningful, or appropriate to share. Despite the fluid nature of the interview process, an oral history is grounded in thoughtful planning and careful follow-through of the agreed-upon process."

This section is divided into four parts that will help guide you in the OH interview process from the initial stages all the way to completion. You can access them using the drop-down menu in the "OH Process" tab above or by clicking on the links below.

Relevant Web Resources

Oral History Association Principles and Best Practices - This resource has several sections addressing the oral history process, some of which are listed here:

  • Best Practices - Guidelines for producing ethical, high-quality, and historically valuable oral history projects. Covers the preparation stage, conducting of interviews, preservation, and how to enhance access and use.  
  • For Participants in Oral History Interviews - Provides information to potential narrators so they can make informed decisions on whether they want to participate in an oral history project.
  • OHA Statement on Ethics - Summarizes ethical obligations that oral historians must abide by in their practice.

These are other online resources you may want to check out as you prepare to embark on your oral history project: