If you’re interested in helping young people become memory workers, feel free to download and print this zine. It’s designed for elementary age kiddos, and it gives an overview of what oral histories are, why they’re important, and some basic-level info to begin doing one.

There are lots of resources online that share more of the technical details connected to conducting oral histories. I’ve synthesized a few of them below. I like the way these sites talk about oral histories, community culture-bearers, and our power as everyday people to be memory workers.

Technical info

The Smithsonian Folklife and Oral History Interviewing Guide

Soul Talk: And Oral History Workshop and Discussion | There’s a video featuring my brilliant friend and oral historian, Kelly Navies! And there’s also a really great 2-page guide for doing family oral histories.

Smithsonian Institution Archives video: “Oral History at Home: Five Easy Steps”

Wonderful oral history repositories

If you want to check out some examples of really great oral histories, head to these special collections. If you have ideas for others that should be added, hit me up!!

StoryCorps stories | StoryCorps stories are usually shorter, so they are great for kids to listen to, to get an idea of how to do an oral history.

UCLA Library Center for Oral History Research | This is a repository of hundreds of oral histories about various aspects of Los Angeles history and culture, categorized by theme.

South Asian American Digital Archives (SAADA) oral history collection | SAADA is one of the most respected community archives in the U.S. They have hundreds of oral histories on their site.