The use of oral histories in the Social Studies classroom is one of the most exciting ways to bring History alive for your students.  Elliot Wigginton and others have led their students through a series of oral histories which have resulted in the compilation of publications read by millions (The Foxfire Series of Books).  In this assignment, you shall use this "living history" approach as you personally interview someone who has lived through a part of History of interest to you.
 

DIRECTIONS:  
 
 1.   Think of a period of recent history of particular interest to you.  Examples include the Viet Nam War Era, World War I, II,
        The Great Depression of 1929, etc...
 or
    Consider a craft or practice of times past For example: making arrowheads, stone tools, moonshine, blackpowder arms,
        home remedies, etc...
or
     Consider the ethnic diversity swirling throughout our great American “melting pot.”

 2.  Locate and contact someone who lived through and remembers this particular time in history, or someone who knows how
        to do this particular craft, or someone who belongs to an ethnic or cultural group different from your own.

 3.  Make  a list of questions about this specific time or craft or membership in this group that you would like answered.  Make
        more questions than you think you will ask.   It is better to have too many than not enough.  (15-20 minimum)

 4.  Set up a time to visit and interview the individual.  The interview should last no longer than 45 minutes to 1 hour.  Explain to
        the interviewee that the purpose of the interview is to gain knowledge of a particular time in history from his/her
        perspective.  Most people will be quite willing to help if they think their input is important.  I suggest you share some of the
        questions you intend to ask as you set up the interview.  This may give them a chance to think about their answers and
        improve their memory.

 5.  DO IT!  Audio or videotape the actual interview.  A small cassette recorder placed on a table is usually not too
        intimidating.  Remind your interviewee that you are recording the interview so you don't have to slow them down trying to
        "write it all down" as they speak.
 

 6.  Thank your participant.  Take your recording and transcribe (write) it onto paper.  Feel free to edit out any parts you feel
        unnecessary.  Check grammar and spelling.  Have someone proofread your work.  Organize the interview into some
        logical order (by subject or chronologically).

 7.  Turn in your oral history.  Turn in a neatly typewritten copy of the interview (usually 2-3 pages, double-spaced).

      I have, in my office, examples of this assignment turned in by previous students.  You are welcome to look at these examples.  I am not extremely particular about the format you use here.  You may choose to submit this assignment in a question/answer format or it may be submitted as a narrative (story form).

  I think that you will find that “doing” history is significantly different than merely reading it.  Most students have very positive things to say about their involvement in this assignment.  I hope you enjoy it!