ETPA Preservation Toolbox No. 4: Collecting Oral Histories

Kathy McNeilly, Director of Oak Ridge Public Library, will share strategies and techniques for collecting oral histories on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 6:30 at the Oak Ridge Public Library at 1401 Oak Ridge Turnpike.  This is the fourth installment of the Preservation Toolbox series presented by East Tennessee Preservation Alliance. 

Ms. McNeilly will discuss Center of Oak Ridge Oral History (COROH) and the best practices for collecting oral histories.  She encourages historical societies and heritage groups across the region to capture these unique stories and will demonstrate the best techniques for recording and preserving the irreplaceable material.

Oral histories are one of the most important media of preserving the stories from our past.  All across the globe, groups are quickly trying to collect as many stories, memories, anecdotes, etc. from their graying populations.  In Oak Ridge, a committee of citizens and representatives of local, state, and federal organizations joined together to collect the oral histories of members of the scientific/technical community and area residents in an effort to ensure that the memories of those involved in the history of the City of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, from its inception to the present, and its profound significance to the region, the United States, and the world will not be lost.  The project, known as COROH, received a federal grant to ensure the proper methodology for collecting information.

"We continue to experience success with the pride many Oak Ridgers demonstrate when offering their oral histories through COROH," said Tom Beehan, Mayor of Oak Ridge.  "Learning from those who offer the unique history of Oak Ridge and its role supporting science, technology, and national security is also offered by the Networking Oak Ridge Oral History (NOROH) initiative and preserves this knowledge for current and future generations."

Light refreshments will be served.  Please call or email Ethiel Garlington at 865-523-8008 or egarlington@knoxheritage.org to RSVP for the event.