Oral history, a branch of historical research, is defined as a method of gathering and preserving historical information in the spoken form and preserving these spoken words with modern technology. This booklet chronicles the development of oral history and describes the role of the Onondaga County (New York) Public Library's Betts Branch as…

This booklet contains materials that highlight Hungarian traditions and customs transplanted to America by Hungarian immigrants. The research and educational activities are designed for practical application in locating, recording, preserving, and analyzing resources on Hungarian American history, particularly those in the Pittsburgh…

Examines a historian's experiences and impressions gained while interviewing the immigrant generation in a community of Jewish chicken farmers in Petaluma, California. Information is presented on the differences in attitudes and aspirations between generations, interview techniques, problems of interviewer credibility, and problems of…

This guidebook examines the kinds of oral history materials available to local researchers and presents ways to evaluate and interpret those materials. There are six chapters. Chapter one describes the relevance and scope of local history, the role of the interviewer within the community, the contributions that oral sources can make to local…

Describes a writing course for undermotivated students which focuses on careful precise observations through the study of other time periods in the history of the town where the school is located. (DD)

To overcome problems of trivia and nostalgia, a problem-centered approach to community oral history projects is proposed. Instead of cataloging details about aspects of past social life, the projects might shape their inquiry as an effort to understand a problem facing the community, a problem with contemporary significance but historical roots.…

This booklet contains activities designed to investigate local history. The booklet's three activities will help young people learn fascinating stories from the past about their own neighborhoods. One activity is "Oral History," where a student can interview an older person about his or her experiences. Another activity is called…

Elementary and secondary school teachers interested in developing a local history unit can adapt this fourth grade program created for three school districts in Cortland County, New York. Material is divided into 13 chapters. Chapter 1 charts the New York fourth grade curriculum by concept and content and outlines specific community study…

This publication contains 44 suggestions for projects which actively involve elementary and secondary students in an individual quest for a personal heritage within the topical frameworks of community, ethnic, and family history. The projects are intended to awaken students to the realization that history is all around them. The projects utilize…

An historical journal compiled by advanced placement American history students contains 10 articles covering the cultural, economic, and political history of Amityville, New York, from the turn of the century through the Great Depression. Based upon primary source materials including written documents and oral interviews, many of the articles…

This publication contains resources and suggestions to help K-12 teachers and students establish a Heritage Club and become involved with activities of the Oklahoma Historical Society (O.H.S.). The resources can easily be used or adapted for use by educators in other states. The publication begins by describing the divisions of the O.H.S. which is…

This guide contains practical suggestions for and theoretical discussions on preparing oral history transcripts for publications or public view. Although intended as a guide for nonprofessionals, it can be used by those who are conducting more serious research and are not familiar with the techniques of oral history. Because the guide deals only…

This is the index to and transcripts of interviews from the Washington State Oral/Aural History Program. The intention of the program was to pay tribute to the national Bicentennial by celebrating the life and community histories of 'common' men, women, and ethnic minorities. The transcripts are available on 297 microfiche. Immigrants, migrants,…

This unit was developed to help students gain a sense of personal identity by examining their heritage. This is accomplished through a study of their genealogical beginnings, their county, and their ancestors' way of life. Part I of the unit engages students in activities investigating their background such as writing an autobiography,…

Based on the work of a seventh/eighth grade school teacher and one of his classes, this guide provides teachers and other interested persons with step-by-step instructions for conducting research and interviews to publish a local history of the community. Chapters provide information on the following topics: (1) introducing the topic of local…