Oral History Step-by-Step

By Kimberly Powell, About.com Guide

Oral histories are stories told by living people about the past. Generally, these are stories of their own life and the lives of the people around them. Often an oral history includes details and stories that exist nowhere other than in the individual's mind. Therefore, preserving oral history and family stories should be a top priority for any family historian.

Elderly grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles, and other relatives all have valuable information to share about your family history, whether they know it or not. All you have do is ask the right questions.

Previous

• Why Oral History?
• Select an Interviewee
• Choose an Approach
• Conduct Background Research
• Create a Question List
• Prepare for the Interview
• Conduct the Interview
• Wait! You're Not Done Yet

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