Oral history is the collection and study of historical information about people, families, important events, or everyday life using audiotapes, videotapes, or transcriptions of planned interviews. One of the more commonly heard statements in the History & Genealogy Department at St. Louis County Library is "I wished I'd talked to grandma and grandpa and got their stories before they were gone." Our oral history is important to collect and know so that we can better understand who we are and where we come from. Oral History can also help survivors cope with grief over the loss of a loved one - preserving that important family member's voice and stories for they and future generations.
History & Genealogy offers a course on Oral History Interviewing and now has available Oral History Kits to check-out.
Everyone has a history with stories to tell and share. Let us help document your friends and families!
Oral History Kits contain a portable recorder and lavalier mic, as well as a memory card and adapter. There is also a folder with instructions and resources for conducting oral history interviews.
Oral History Kits should be returned at the service desk inside any of our branches. Please do not place these in the outside book drops.