Oral histories are increasingly used in historic preservation to capture lived experience, fill gaps in the historical record, and better understand the meaning of place. They are especially valuable for documenting intangible heritage, places that have been lost or substantially changed, and the histories of communities that have been left out of archives and designations. As more communities take on oral history projects, questions arise about how to approach them effectively and responsibly.
This session will explore how oral histories are being used in preservation work today, what distinguishes an oral history from an interview, and how oral histories can serve as a foundation for historic context studies and designations. Presenters will walk through planning and preparation, including setting goals, budget, timeline, technology, archiving, and accessibility. The discussion will also address the ethics of working with communities: consent and ownership, community control, and building trust. Case studies will show how these considerations play out in practice.
Attendees will leave with current best practices, resources for learning more, and practical ideas for how oral histories can support the day-to-day work of local preservation commissions and staff, from survey and documentation to community engagement, interpretation, and decision-making.
1.5 AIA | HSW | AICP | Eq
