What Does Oral History Entail?

Podcast host, Dorian Djougoue. Follow hi

What is an oral history interview?

An oral history interview is more than just a conversation—it’s a bridge between past and present. At HAR, we believe that every story holds power. Our oral history interviews bring memories to life, preserving the laughter, wisdom, and resilience of those who lived them. Whether for families, communities, or organizations, oral history fosters identity, unity, and understanding while safeguarding heritage for generations to come.

What are the steps involved in oral history interviewing?

HAR follows a structured and thoughtful process to ensure every oral history interview is conducted with care, integrity, and attention to detail:

Step 1: Understanding Objectives & Planning

Before the interview, HAR works with clients to determine:

The purpose of the oral history (e.g., personal, academic, compliance-related, cultural preservation).
Who will be interviewed (individuals, community elders, experts, or stakeholders).
Key themes and topics that should be covered.
Preferred format (audio, video, transcription, or multimedia).
Compliance considerations (especially for Section 106 projects).

Step 2: Research & Preparation

HAR conducts preliminary research to ensure interviews are informed and contextually rich. This may include:

Reviewing historical documents, maps, or existing records related to the interview subject.
Gathering background information about the individual’s experiences or cultural connections.
Preparing thoughtful, open-ended questions to guide the conversation while allowing natural storytelling.

Step 3: Interviewing Process

HAR ensures a comfortable and respectful environment for interview participants. The interview is conducted with:

Clear introductions to establish trust and understanding.
Thoughtful, open-ended questions that encourage storytelling and detailed responses.
Ethical and sensitive interviewing practices to honor personal histories and lived experiences.
Professional audio or video recording for preservation and clarity.

Step 4: Transcription & Documentation

After the interview, HAR carefully transcribes and documents the session:

Transcriptions capture spoken words accurately, ensuring proper formatting and readability.
Additional annotations may be added for clarity.
Interviews may be edited for storytelling purposes while preserving authenticity.

Step 5: Curation & Preservation Recommendations

HAR provides curation services to ensure the oral history serves its intended purpose:

Digital preservation in accessible formats.
Archival recommendations for long-term storage and safeguarding.
Integration into cultural landscape studies, educational materials, or historic preservation efforts.
Customization options, such as multimedia presentations, illustrations, or historical analysis.

Step 6: Deliverables & Final Review

The final oral history package is presented to clients, ensuring:

High-quality digital files (audio, video, and/or transcription).
Historical insights and recommendations for use in reports, compliance projects, or educational outreach.
A final review to confirm completeness and accuracy before archival or publication.

Why choose HAR for oral history interviewing?

HAR stands out for its expertise, ethical storytelling, and commitment to cultural preservation. HAR ensures each oral history project is conducted with integrity and provides tailored solutions for Section 106 compliance, community-driven initiatives, and educational use.

How does HAR support Section 106 compliance?

Oral history interviewing plays a crucial role in federally funded and permitted projects. HAR strengthens Section 106 consultation efforts by:

Documenting firsthand cultural narratives that support historic site evaluations.
Engaging diverse stakeholders (Tribes, local communities, and historically connected groups).
Providing evidence for preservation efforts, NHPA nominations, and mitigation strategies.
Ensuring ethical interviewing practices for sensitive and significant histories.

Who benefits from oral history interviewing?

Oral history preserves voices across multiple sectors:

Families & Individuals – Passing down personal stories and traditions.
Communities – Safeguarding cultural heritage and shared experiences.
Historians & Researchers – Enriching historical records with firsthand accounts.
Tribal Nations & Indigenous Communities – Protecting oral traditions and knowledge.
Veterans & Service Members – Documenting military experiences and sacrifices.
Preservation Organizations & Museums – Enhancing exhibits, archives, and educational outreach.
Federal & Local Agencies – Supporting compliance and historic site documentation.

What is oral history NOT?

Oral history is not casual conversation, journalism, scripted productions, legal testimony, or purely academic research. It is structured storytelling, capturing real narratives in a way that complements archival materials and historical records.

What packages does HAR offer?

HAR provides tailored options, from single interviews to fully curated oral history projects with multimedia and preservation recommendations.

Are there discounts available?

HAR offers savings for first-time clients, veterans, tribal communities, and repeat customers.

How can I get started?

Preserving history starts with a conversation. Reach out to HAR to discuss your needs, and let us help bring your stories to life.