Table Of ContentHeritage Notes
Planning for Heritage Resources Research and Documentation
How to Do Oral History
Judy Larmour
Number 11
In a relaxed, informal
setting, an interview can
take place comfortably.
Photo: Robert van Schaik
Introduction Be cautioned, however, that oral history
projects are no different than any other
Oral history is not new; historians have always research project, and must have a clear
interviewed people. What is new is the
purpose, methodology, and organization.
technology used to preserve these A good deal of careful preparation is required
conversations. Compact and easy to use to carry out a successful interview. It will
cassette tape recorders have made oral history a require a major commitment on the part of a
popular research method among local history volunteer group to see the process through.
societies and many other groups for a wide Oral history projects are challenging and hard
range of history projects. work, but they can be fun and the results well ydlboifa
worth the effort. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Historic Sites and Archives Service
Each oral history project will be different organizational and technical considerations are
because of the nature and scope of the project, relevant.
the funds and time available, as well as the
expertise of the people involved. Generally, The term "oral history" is in many ways a
misnomer. The interview itself is in fact not
there are four main phases to an oral history
history. The interviewer is creating a historical
project. document, which can then be used as a source
1 . S et up. of information in the writing and presentation
2. Research and preparation. of history. The interview is usually only the
3. Interviewing. first of several steps in collecting information
4. Follow up work. for a larger historical project. Oral history is a
means to an end rather than an end in itself.
This Heritage Note will lead you through the
various phases of an oral history project. It Oral history is not the collecting of trivial
anecdotes. Rather it should follow a definite
identifies some of the questions you should ask
yourselves, and provides concrete direction and line of enquiry that is determined
recommendations and examples to assist you. by the goals of any particular project.
Following the steps outlined in this Heritage Interviews are not a reliable way to collect
Note will help to ensure that your oral history factual information, as memory is very often
project is worthwhile. The final section offers a faulty. There is, for example, no point in asking
in what year the local mine opened or what
bibliography, "Keys to Further Information."
year a particular accident happened, as you can
You may also want to have a professional easily find the answer in the written record.
historian with experience in oral history There is value, however, in asking about the
projects talk to your group. Local colleges, daily operation of the mine, the people who
archives, museums, heritage agencies or worked in it, r escue facilities, and working
historical societies can put you in contact with conditions. Oral history interviews tend to
someone who can help you with your particular "telescope" time, and often the recollections of
a lifetime are a record of shifting perceptions.
project.
What Oral History Is and What It Is Not Oral history interviews supplement rather than
replace other sources such as newspapers,
Oral history records personal reminiscences
photographs, diaries, and business, institutional
that are of historical significance, focusing on
or municipal records. Oral history interviews
impressions, attitudes, feelings, and can illustrate developments and events with
description, rather than facts. Oral history
personal reminiscences, and can also fill the
allows us to gather information about everyday
gaps or compliment the written record through
things, daily routines of work and living that
description and reflection.
are usually not recorded, and the experiences
and perspectives of those whose opinions are Finally, avoid romanticizing the past and
not often found in written documents.
remember that oral history interviews are not
"testimony to the good old days."
Oral history is used by family and local
historians and by genealogists. It has been used Some Questions to Ask Yourselves at
extensively in labour history, the history of the Very Beginning
minority groups, immigrant history, and in the
history of industries and occupations. Oral 1 . What is the purpose of our project?
history is essential for aboriginal history, and
although there may be cultural differences in It is a good idea to clarify on paper what the
the interviewing process and the way the aim or purpose of your project is, and set goals
project is carried out, many of the same that you can meet. The best beginning is a
modest one.
^ IS m
If you are going to seek funding to carry out A major consideration is the time period you
the project, you will have to explain very are researching. If you are working on the early
clearly what it is you hope to achieve. Do not history of a rural community, oral history may
try to be too ambitious. A well defined, not provide the best source, as no one may still
carefully planned and tightly focused project is be alive with first hand information about the
more likely to impress a funding agency than a community. In general, oral history works best
vague open-ended undertaking. when the person being interviewed talks about
events they experienced as a teenager or older.
2. What is the end product going to be? Few people can now be interviewed for the
period before the First World War; most
What are you going to do with the interviews?
projects will be most effective for the period
Perhaps you could publish your interviews in after the late 1920s. Those people who can
their entirety in book form. If so, you will have
clearly recall events 60 to 65 years ago will be
to think about setting aside time and money to in their late seventies and eighties. Many oral
allow for verbatim transcripts of the interviews.
history projects are undertaken twenty years
after the people who would have been most
Could your interviews be published as a sound
valuable to interview have passed on.
document, that is, used on the radio or for
documentaries? If you wish to use portions of
4. How long do we have to do this project?
the interviews for an audio documentary, for
example, on an event or an industry, you must How soon do you need the information? Do
use equipment that can produce broadcast you have a set date by which you must be
quality sound. completed?
Could they be used in developing exhibits in a Most projects will best be carried out within a
museum or elsewhere? Do they have potential defined period of time. You may want to
for an educational kit?
undertake a couple of interviews as a pilot
phase to work out how long it will take to
There are many possibilities depending on the
complete the interview process and follow up
nature of your project. Sometimes it is difficult
work for your project. An approximate
to see what the end product could be until you
completion date sets a goal to work towards.
have the material in the form of completed
This will help to prevent procrastination and
interviews. But at least consider the end burn out.
product, as it m ay have an important bearing
on your planning process. On the other hand, you may have reason to set
up the project to continue over a number of
3. Are oral history interviews the best way to
years, as time, funds and interest dictate. If this
get the information we need?
is the case you need to take special care to
establish written guidelines on how the project
The only way to figure this out is to do some
is to be run. This will ensure some continuity
preliminary research on the subject. Remember
of process and quality, regardless of changing
you are seeking first hand accounts, not
personnel in your society or institution. This is
hearsay. You need to examine all potential
very important in a volunteer organization.
sources of information on what you want to
research. What sources are available for
5. Who should be responsible for what?
researching setdement patterns? family
histories? a church history? cultural traditions? It is essential to establish who in your group is
Oral history may provide some of the answers, going to do what, right from the start. Planning
but rarely everything you need to know for an oral history project includes developing a
your project. strategy to carry it out.
3
You need to establish how many people will be The decision to do one or the other should be
involved. Who is going to select the people to determined by the nature and purpose of the
interview? Who is going to do the background project, time available, and costs that will be
research for the project? Who is going to do the incurred.
interviewing? The answers to these questions
8. Who can have access to our interviews?
will depend on your particular circumstances.
Try to allocate tasks to the people best skilled
You need to plan for future access to the
and temperamentally suited to them. Outgoing
interview tapes. This includes the preparation
personalities are often best suited for
of a waiver or release form to allow the tapes
administration, fund raising, and publicity,
to be used by researchers. A release form is in
whereas the person who is a good listener and
effect a contract between the interviewer and
enjoys relating on a one-to-one basis will make
the best interviewer. interviewee. They can vary in content but
should be worded so as to cover the widest
You will need to think about an administrative possible use of the tape. The release form must
plan, a set of procedures to be followed for include the signature of the interviewee or
interviewee as well as the interviewer, the date
your project. How, for example, will the use of
equipment be coordinated and regulated? It is and place of interview. The legal status of
advisable to have one person coordinate all release forms is, as yet, uncontested in Canada,
members and activities. If your society or but they have been the subject of court cases in
association has paid staff for this job, so much the U.S. It may be advisable to have a lawyer
the better. It is challenging and hard work, and look at your release form.
a volunteer coordinator will need to be
It is essential to acquire copyright to the
particularly keen, well organized and energetic.
material to allow for its publication, either as a
6. Do we have adequate funds for written or sound document. The Canadian
this project? Copyright Act, however, is not clear as to the
ownership rights of recorded material.
Can you afford to buy the necessary and Revisions to the Act may clarify this.
appropriate equipment? It is a good idea to
price out whatever equipment you will need to You or your organization may not be the only
purchase before making any commitments to people interested in the information on these
the project, and especially before you approach tapes. Avoid judging what is useful or not in
a funding agency. It is a common error to your interviews, once you have the information
suppose that any tape recorder will do the job you wanted. If you have decided to preserve
them, do so in their entirety. It is difficult to
-it won't! (See section on equipment below.)
predict what may be of significance or interest
You will need to calculate operating costs such to a researcher in 2024.
as long distance telephone calls, stationery
supplies, stamps, files and tapes. Research If your tapes are to be stored as a permanent
expenses may include trips to out of town record it is a good idea to establish a
archives as well as photocopying. cataloguing system and procedures to facilitate
use by other researchers.
7. What is the difference between a transcript
and a summary or synopsis of the Make it k nown that your collection exists.
interviews? Inform associations, societies, museums or
groups that have the same interests as yours
A transcript is a verbatim written version of the throughout the province or across the prairies,
entire interview. A summary or synopsis is a and even beyond. Inform the Canadian Oral
brief descriptive list that charts the progression History Association, which has compiled the
of the interview, designed as a guide to the National Inventory of Oral History Holdings,
contents and topics that were discussed. of your project. It would be useful to obtain a
copy of this inventory to see who may share the interview, that the interview will be taped
and that he/she will be asked to sign the release
your area of interest (see "Keys to Further
form. The interviewer should explain where the
Information" below).
tapes will be kept and the purposes for which
9. Where are we going to keep the tapes?
they may be used.
You need to estabhsh a secure place to store Restrictions imposed on the use of the
the tapes, in appropriate conditions to ensure interview tape by an interviewee should be
their preservation. strictly adhered to in all circumstances.
If your institution does not have an archive, Be as professional as possible in the interview.
you might consider turning the interviews and Proficiency in the technical skills of operating
documentation over to a local archive or
the equipment is essential to an effective
museum. In Alberta a list of archives and interview. Aim to operate your equipment
museums is available from the Alberta
without constantly watching or fussing with it.
Archives Council, c/o City of Calgary Appropriate social etiquette in dress and
Archives, and these institutions may be willing manners should always be observed.
to assist you.
Interviewers should remember that they
The Ethics Of Oral History represent their society or institution and the
community that supports it. If you have
Oral history is a cooperative venture between
letterhead use it for all correspondence. In a
the interviewer and interviewee. It is the
larger community, where there may be fears
responsibility of the interviewer to establish
about safety for the elderly, it is a good idea to
good rapport with the person being
carry a card from your sodety or association to
interviewed, give the interview structure, and
identify yourself.
control its pace. At the same time, the
interviewee must be made to feel he/she has a
A final ethical question lies in the area of
stake in the interview too, and that what he/she
potential libel. Never encourage contentious
has to say is listened to with attention and
statements about people's character or actions
respect. that an interviewee may later regret making.
An oral history interview can be a special Setting Up the Project
occasion for many elderly people; perhaps the
first time in years that anyone has sought out What kind of equipment do we need?
their views. It can be a rewarding and
therapeutic experience to assess a lifetime but Audio and audio-visual technology has
it c an also be painful at times. The interviewer developed rapidly in the last couple of years.
should be sensitive to the feelings of the Many of the recommendations you will read on
interviewee throughout the interview, and turn specific equipment are out of date, with respect
off the recorder if asked to do so. to availability and/or price. What you can get
may well be determined by where you live as
Always respect the wishes of the interviewee, well as your budget. The best thing to do, if at
and do not press him/her to talk about all possible, is to discuss your requirements
something that he/she does not wish to discuss. with a company in a major city that deals in a
If someone becomes visibly upset during an broad range of sound equipment, rather than a
interview it is best to stop recording until store that sells only one brand of equipment.
he/she is ready to go on.
The following is a guide to the types of
The interview should be carried out in a spirit equipment you may want to consider, and the
of candour, objectivity and integrity. Make questions you should ask about the equipment
sure the interviewee understands the purpose of before you buy. Always test the equipment in
the store. Is it easy to operate? How close do You will need a recorder that will work on AC
you need to be to the microphone to get (alternating current) household power as well
as DC (direct current), that is, batteries. Oral
good sound?
history practitioners debate the value of using
Recorder
batteries over household power. Batteries have
an advantage in that the recorder can be placed
It is most important to select equipment that wherever is best and most convenient, with a
produces quality sound. Without this your minimum of fuss. Batteries, however, wear
interview has limited value as a sound
down quickly, and are expensive. Many people
document. Oral history interviews have also consider them an environmental hazard. It
traditionally been done on reel-to-reel tape is necessary to devise some method of keeping
recorders, as they produce the best sound.
track of how many hours use they have had to
Cassette recorders are easier to use, but the
gauge when they need to be replaced. This can
choice of recorder, and most importandy, the
be risky, particularly if a number of different
microphone, will determine the quality of
people will be using the equipment. In any
sound you will obtain. event, batteries should be used for recording
only, not for playing back the interview.
Mini audio disk recorders are now available, as
Always take an extra set along to every
well as digital compact cassettes. Both produce
interview.
very good sound quality tapes, with no tape
hiss. Digital compact cassette recorders can
There is very little reason not to use AC in
also play back standard (also known as analog) Alberta. However, in some rural areas,
cassette tapes.
especially during thundery summer days, it
may be advisable to take batteries for your
Another important consideration is the long
recorder if there is any threat of power surges
term preservation of the tapes. Interviews
or failures. You can also buy a device to
recorded on a cassette tape can later be re-
protect your recorder from power surges.
recorded on a reel-to-reel system for the most
reliable permanent preservation. The Most recorders will have manual level control
preservation of the sound quality on cassette
(MLC) or automatic level control (ALC) and
tapes will depend on the type of tape used as some have both. ALC tends to pick up
well as proper storage conditions (see section
unwanted or ambient noise as it strives to pick
on care, storage and handling of tapes below).
up all sounds. MLC, however, requires careful
The long term life span of video tapes, video
adjustment, and is difficult to gauge on some
disks or audio mini disks is unknown. The
machines without a UV meter. This is an
digital compact cassette is probably the best instrument which measures the volume of what
preservation option, as the sound can be copied
is being recorded.
without losing quality. Your local archivist
may be able to advise you on preserving these A PAUSE button is a useful feature as it a llows
types of recordings. you to stop briefly without using the STOP
button, which will give you a crashing sound
Until recendy, the most important consid- on the tape.
eration has b een to get a recorder which would
take an external microphone. Tapes made on
If your recorder has an "end of tape side"
earlier recorders with built-in microphones alarm, such as a blinking light, so much
were usually of inferior sound quality. Often, the better.
there would be a constant hissing noise and the
voices were somewhat muffled. However, In conclusion, a portable cassette recorder of
newer machines with built-in microphones are adequate quality will probably fit the budget of
much improved and can record good sound, if most oral history projects. A lightweight, easy
they are properly positioned. to use recorder in the middle price range will
give you reasonable sound, although not as leaving an echo effect on the tape.
good as a broadcast quality machine, which
can cost over $1,000. It is not worth saving a few pennies on inferior
tapes if the result is poor sound quality or a
Whatever machine you buy, be sure to practice ruined interview. Do not be tempted to re-use
using it b efore your first interview to tapes, or record more than one person on one
familiarize yourself with its workings and tape — use a fresh tape for every interview.
capabilities.
Most tapes have a clear or white "leader" at the
Microphone
beginning, which doesn't pick up sound. If you
use this type, you can inadvertendy cut off the
There are several kinds to consider, depending first part of an introduction to the interview.
on your needs and funds. For this reason, tapes without any lead time are
recommended, as the interview will begin to be
1 . Lavalier microphones produce the clearest recorded as soon as the record button is
sound. They can be clipped on to the
pressed. If you ever find that you have been
participant's clothing. They are also the supplied with leader tape, be sure to cue the
most expensive option.
machine to start recording with the leader
already wound onto the take up reel.
2. A desk or stand type directional microphone
is an alternative. The major consideration Make sure the cassettes are screwed, rather
here is the pick up pattern. Omnidirectional
mikes pick up sound equally from all than glued, together, which allows for "damage
control" if a tape gets stretched or tangled.
around, cardioid pick up more from in front
and less from the rear, bidirectional pick up Extension cord
from front and rear but less from the sides.
Your choice of mike will determine how You will need an extension cord to enable you
you place yourself in an interview, and how to place the recorder wherever you want. Make
loudly the interviewer must speak. sure it h as a two pronged plug, as many older
houses have the older style of electrical oudets
It is worth asking your supplier about a foam with only two holes. You can also purchase an
pad or other type of component to muffle noise adapter for the two styles of oudets.
such as a pencil drumming on the table. This
will sound like thunder without some device to Protective case
cushion its pick up by the microphone.
Your equipment will get a lot of wear, so it is
When you purchase your equipment, advisable to store and transport the recorder
photocopy the operational manuals to use if the and mike in a protective case. It is also a
originals are lost. compact way to carry the various bits and
pieces. When you buy your sound equipment,
Tapes ask the dealer to recommend someone to build
"custom-made" cases.
Good quality C-60 low noise cassette tapes
designed for professional use are the best Headphones
choice for oral history interviewing. Each side
is 30 minutes long. If your recorder has a plug in for them,
headphones are a useful and inexpensive
Because the tape used on C-90 and C-120 accessory. They allow for quiet listening to the
cassettes is thinner, it has a greater potential for tapes in a busy office. Often the use of
breaking or twisting and also for "print headphones concentrates one's listening. There
through." This means that the sound of one are two sizes of jack for headphones, but you
side of the tape "prints through" to the other, can get adapters from one size to the other.
Video collect names and phone numbers at the end of
the interview.
Oral history interviews can also be recorded on
video tape. A video recording has the After a while, as the project becomes known,
advantage of creating a visual record of the unsolicited names will come your way. When
interview as well as documenting what was you collect names of potential interviewees,
said. It will capture facial expressions, giving note who referred you to them. This can be a
another dimension to the interview. On the useful form of introduction, although
other hand, a video taped oral history interview sometimes it c an backfire on you.
can be very distracting to listen to, and boring
to watch unless it is skilfully shot. Something When you do get a name, make a note of why
of the rapport and intimacy of an audio the person might be a good interviewee, and in
interview will be lost in the presence of a third what specific ways their life may be significant
person operating the camera. It can also upset to your project. Also, if the person is very
the interviewee. An interviewee can forget that elderly, it is a good idea to inquire whether the
the tape recorder is on, but a camera is more person uses the telephone. Deafness and/or
difficult to ignore. It is also considerably more dislike of the telephone may be a consideration
expensive, and state of the art video equipment in assessing how you wish to approach
is more difficult to obtain than a cassette someone you want to interview. Finally,
recorder. If you do decide that a video always approach the person direcdy about
recording is valuable for your project, it may being interviewed. Avoid making arrangements
be worth considering running an audio cassette through a son, daughter or spouse, who may
tape recorder at the same time. have an agenda of their own.
How do we find the right people to interview? Once you have the name of a potential
interviewee, it c an sometimes be very difficult
There are many different ways to do this, to locate the person. This is particularly the
depending on the nature and scope of the case in large urban centres. Always try to get a
project. If you are working on the history of an telephone number and/or address when you get
industry such as coal mining or logging in your names of potential interviewees. Seniors may
area, it may be possible to get the names of have retired to another part of the country,
potential interviewees through their unions or which may be too far away from your area to
associations. A questionnaire that asks people make an interview possible. They may also
to indicate their involvement with an industry, have moved into senior citizens' homes or
association or community may be a useful way extended care facilities. Women can be
to begin the process. You can write an article particularly hard to track for the simple reason
on your project in the local newspaper, or put that family telephone numbers are frequently
up a notice on the town bulletin board. Contact
listed under a man's name.
with churches and seniors' homes may be
another way to find potential interviewees. Tell How do we select people to interview?
friends and neighbours about your project, as
the more people who know about it the better. Not everybody on your list will make a good
oral history interviewee. You will need to
The best source is often those people you first assess several things about them before making
interview. Interviewees often mention the
your decision.
name of someone who "knows a lot about that"
1. Do they have the kind of information you
or "knew Mr. X well." People will often say are looking for?
things such as "I never did that job myself, but
my pal Joe did, he still lives over at Y," or You will need to contact the person to find this
"Well, there was a woman who...."
Interviewers should follow these leads and out. There are several ways to do this. First you
have to decide whether you are going to let
them know immediately that you are interested
in oral history interviews. Sometimes you can
work your way towards that by explaining that
you are doing some research and wonder if
he/she can help you. Then you can judge
whether or not to ask him/her about doing an
interview. Alternatively, you may wish to send
out a letter explaining the project, and stating
that you understand he/she may be able to help
you. Then, when you telephone as promised
in the letter, the person will be expecting
your call.
You may prefer to arrange to pay a preliminary
call in person "to chat about your research"
either before or after you may have made a
decision to interview the person. A preliminary
visit has the benefit of establishing a rapport
between the interviewer and interviewee. Be
careful, however, that this visit does not turn 2. Are they willing to share it with you? Contact with churches and
community organizations
into an interview. It is very easy to fall into this
The best interviewees are those who are at ease may be one way to find
trap, and you will sometimes have to be very
with themselves and love to talk and tell a good pPohtoetnot:i a lD a viindt e rEvpiepw ees.
firm in saying you want to hear about that
story. Sometimes people may not wish to take
when you have the tape recorder, and excusing
part in your project for reasons of their own.
yourself. Try not to stay for more than half
an hour. Do not press the point, as an unwilling
interviewee will not talk freely.
Very often a potential interviewee will tell you
For some people the idea of the tape recorder
they have little to offer, that he only worked in
can be intimidating. Talk to them for a while to
the mine a short time, that the foreman could
ascertain whether information they have is vital
tell you more, or that she just did the usual
to your project or not. If so, reassurance and an
things on the farm. If you think the person has
emphasis on the significance of their
something to offer tell them so and explain
contribution to the project may get you past
why their experience is valuable to your project
this hurdle. If not, let them know that if they
and significant for posterity.
ever change their mind you hope that they will
call you. You may want to call back after a
At this stage it is often a good idea to gather
some biographical details about the person. period of time to double check.
This is crucial if the person making initial
3. Are they able to share it with you?
contact with the interviewees is not going to do
the interviews. This information can then be
A potential interviewee may have wonderful
passed on to the interviewer as a first stage in
information and be more than willing to talk to
the research process before the interview. It can
you, but may be unable to do so. An interview
be useful to record and organize this
may prove to be very fatiguing, and an already
information on a biographical information
frail voice may become barely audible. An
form. Design your form to cover the aspects of
interviewee's deafness may cause him or her to
a person's life that are relevant to your project. misunderstand questions, or require the
This form can later be filed as part of the
interviewer to repeat questions frequently.
documentation of the interview.
Beyond a certain point deafness may make an
effective interview impossible, and result only
in frustration for both participants.
9
Once you have selected a number of people to
interview for your project, you then need to
think about the order in which you will carry
out the interviews. Who should you interview
first? The basic guideline is age and health in
relation to the expected value of the interview.
Most practitioners advise that it is best to get
on with the interviewing process as soon as
possible.
The uncomfortable truth about oral history
projects is that potential interviewees may die
before you get to talk to them.
What skills should a good interviewer have?
The most important skill is the ability to listen
Make sure your with sincerity, empathy and sensitivity. People
interviewee is comfortable
who prefer to listen will generally make better
during the interview and interviewers than those who like to talk.
ask questions in a
conversational tone!
Graphic based on sketch by
Gordon Menzies.
Anyplace Oral History Project
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Name: — Date of birth:
Present address: Place of birth:
Telephone:
Father's name: Mother's name: _
Occupation: _ Occupation:
Other family information:
Occupation:
Spouse's name:.
When/where did you first live, work or frequent in the Anyplace area?
Schooling:
Occupation(s) - w hat, where, and when:
Organizations/societies:
Activities and interests:
Church:
Other: .
Biographical
Information Form
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