Oral Histories
Oral Histories
Storytelling has a long and strong tradition within many American Indian tribes. Many American Indian tribes use the spoken word to pass down histories, stories and religious ceremonies from one generation to the next. These oral traditions connect the past, present and future. They may provide moral lessons, communicate tribal creation stories, describe cultural beliefs, and/or illustrate personal, familiar or tribal histories and experiences. These histories are not always meant to be shared with members outside the Tribe.
Oral histories are one way to learn about the stories and experiences of American Indian peoples. An oral history is a recorded conversation where you, the researcher, ask the subject to verbally share their experiences. This may include the story of their life, memories of a particular event or time, or histories of their tribe. Below are a few tips to help you prepare and do oral histories on your own.
Tips for Conducting Oral Histories
1. Build knowledge. Before you reach out to tribal representatives for an oral interview, visit your school and local libraries to learn the big picture of your topic. Research your topic to get a sense of what historians have said in the past and decide which tribes may help you understand more about your topic.
2. Send your invitation. Once you decide that an oral history will help you bring American Indian perspectives to your project, send a formal invitation by email or regular postal mail.
a. The titles of tribal representatives that you should look for include Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, Cultural Preservation, Director of a Cultural Center, and/or Educator Officer. If they are unable to help you, they may be able to direct you to the correct representative.
b. Assume that the tribal representative you contact receives many requests for interviews from other NHD students. Take the time to write a thoughtful invitation request.
c. Remember, tribal representatives are busy too, and they may not be able to meet with you immediately. Be flexible and respectful. Change your research schedule to their schedule. (See the “Sample Email to Tribal Representatives” for help.)
3. Prepare questions. Write out your list of questions before the interview and share them with the tribal representative. Keep the length of your interview in mind. Put your most important questions first in case you run out of time.
a. Important! Remember that there is some information tribal representatives cannot share with people outside of their tribe, and they may refuse to answer a particular question. Remember to be respectful of their wishes and do not push them for information on that question or topic.
4. Record the conversation. If you plan to use quotes from your interview for your project, plan to record the interview. Remember to ask the subject for their permission to record. Avoid asking your interview subjects to repeat themselves or to talk more slowly. Never try to write down long quotations by hand.
5. Thank the subject. Once the oral interview has ended, remember to verbally thank the subject for meeting with you. You should also send a handwritten thank-you note within 24 hours.
Talking to tribal representatives and experts can be scary. If they accept your oral history invitation, it’s because they are interested in your topic and want to help you learn more. Take the time to prepare for your interview and follow up with thanks. Remember you represent your school and Ohio History Day. Do your very best!