Oral histories are some of the most interesting records an archive can hold. Passing down cultural memory through oral history and storytelling has been used by humanity for millennia and is still very much a part of how many people learn about their family’s past. They are the firsthand accounts and memories of people who have lived through major events and seen how those events impact their communities. However, oral history interviews are not just meant to save the stories of famous or important people. They are not just for discussing major events. They also help preserve the history of everyday people. They let us see through their eyes and experience life as they lived it. Oral history interviews can be used as a tool to uplift the voices of marginalized communities and ensure their stories are saved for future generations.
A passion for saving community stories and preserving people’s memories was part of the inspiration for the Local History Project, which was the foundation for Blue Ridge Community College Archive and Special Collections. Oral histories are still very much at the heart of our collecting focus. We often use our established collections or collections being processed to help guide us toward potential oral history projects. Some collections have oral histories that are directly related to them while other oral histories are unique collections on their own. All of our oral histories are currently located in the Blue Ridge Community College Archive Digital Repository.
If you are interested in collecting histories, please reach out to our archivist. We have partnered with other organizations in the past to assist in their oral history projects, and we would love to hear more about how we might be able to help yours as well. We know that each community is unique, and they are often the best at identifying what stories need to be collected and saved. The decision to donate an oral history collection to the Archive is up to the collector, and it does not impact our willingness to help.
The Oral History Guidelines provides important information on the interview process and all forms that need to be signed. It is very important that all permissions and releases are completed before beginning the interview. The Archive cannot accept any oral history donations that do not have a signed release form.