Members of the Glencoe & District Historical Society recently joined a live online presentation by Sarah Walker on the art and practice of gathering oral histories. The session was both practical and inspiring, reminding us that capturing memories is not simply about recording sound—it is about creating space for storytelling, trust, and preservation.
We learned that an oral history interview is closer to being a thoughtful radio host or podcast interviewer than a researcher reading questions from a page. Preparation matters greatly, but so does allowing conversation to unfold naturally.
Why Oral Histories Matter
Oral histories capture:
- Personal experiences not found in written records
- Community traditions such as foodways, farming practices, celebrations, and daily life
- Emotional tone, humour, and memory that enrich archives
- Stories that might otherwise be lost within a generation
Mary Simpson’s Reflections on a Live Presentation by Sarah Walker, Head of Reference Services, North Dakota State Archives. Reference: State Archives Facebook page
Read more