Oral History, Now (And Tomorrow)

Session Submission Type: Plenary Session

Abstract

Events in the last decade, such as the rise of Web 2.0 and the creation of StoryCorps, have caused so much change in the field that several of us who lead oral history programs have begun to come together to think about and discuss anew the seminal question in our field: “What Is Oral History?” We propose a plenary session at 2016 OHA to build on what others in the field have written recently on or around this question (Gluck, Freund, Shopes), presenting what we have found in our discussion and research. And we hope to chart a course for oral historians today and tomorrow. We do not intend to shy away from what we see as the negative effects of recent trends, such as web presentations with the title, “The Oral History of [Fill in the Blank].” But we also do not intend to come across as “Old Men (and Women) Yelling at the Clouds.” We love what we do and want to come together in this forum to present that passion and offer ideas on how to move forward in this never ending age of information.

Sub Unit

• OHA Annual Meeting

Chair

• Troy J Reeves, UW-Madison Oral History Program

Presenters

• Paul Ortiz, University of Florida

• Stephen Sloan, Baylor University Institute for Oral History

• Doug Boyd, University of Kentucky Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History

• Amy Starecheski, Columbia Oral History MA Program

• Natalie Fousekis, California State University, Fullerton