Through The Ancestry Looking Glass

Chronicles of the Past

While clearing out one of our old farm shops, my husband stumbled upon an unexpected treasure: a thank you note from a cousin to his father. Was it mere chance, or did he uncover it as a poignant reminder of his late father and the passage of time? This discovery not only piqued our curiosity but also deepened our appreciation for Archival Oral History, highlighting the fascinating ways our past can reach out and touch us in the present.

Grab your magnifying glass and channel your inner detective, because we’re about to embark on a thrilling adventure into your family’s past! Ever wondered about the untold stories and hidden mysteries buried within your family tree? With oral histories, you’ll uncover the voices and experiences of your ancestors in a way that’s both captivating and (dare we say) tremendously fun.

I recently celebrated a milestone birthday—and it got me thinking. My life has been filled with exciting twists and turns, lessons, failures, and accomplishments. I often wonder if leaving an oral history would be beneficial for my grandchildren. Time and again, I hear people diving into their family research. They often say they wish their forebears had left their histories. This way, they could get to know them better. We may not think our story matters when we’re living through the day-to-day grind, but have you ever considered asking future generations if they might want to hear your story?

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process. You’ll learn how to use oral history archives to unlock the hidden secrets of your heritage. Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of long-lost relatives, uncovering quirky family traditions, or piecing together the intriguing puzzles of your ancestry, oral histories provide many clues. These clues are waiting to be discovered.

Join us on this journey as we delve into the world of oral narratives. We will transform your genealogical quest into a vivid detective story. It will be complete with plot twists and surprising revelations. Who knows what you will stumble upon!

How to Begin the Adventure

Finding ancestors in oral history archives can be quite rewarding. Here are some steps to help you get started:

1. Gather as much information as possible from family members and documents. Names, dates, and locations are crucial.

2. Websites like Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com/search/categories/flh_oral/) and FamilySearch.org (https://www.familysearch.org/en/united-states/) offer searchable collections of oral histories.

3. Use Keywords and Search Terms: When searching these databases, use relevant keywords related to your ancestors’ known details. This could include names, locations, occupations, and significant life events.

Native American Oral History Banks

1. Doris Duke Native American Oral History Collection (https://www.nativeoralhistory.org/): This collection is part of the Archive of Native American Recorded History The materials here are collaboratively curated and managed by the repositories holding the collections and representative Native Communities.

2. Many universities have extensive oral history collections that include Native American histories. Institutions like the University of Oklahoma and the University of Florida have digital heritage communities that document and preserve these stories (https://nativeoralhistory.org/category/oral-history-interviews?citationMarker=43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054).

3. Tribal Archives* Reaching out to specific tribes may also provide access to recorded oral histories. Each tribe may have its own policies and access protocols.

Early American Slave and Freedmen Oral History Banks

1.”Born in Slavery: Slave Narratives from the Federal Writers’ Project, 1936-1938″(https://www.loc.gov/collections/slave-narratives-from-the-federal-writers-project-1936-to-1938/about-this-collection/)**: This collection from the Library of Congress includes over 2,300 first-person accounts of slavery and 500 black-and-white photographs of former slaves.

2. “Voices Remembering Slavery: Freed People Tell Their Stories”(https://www.loc.gov/collections/voices-remembering-slavery/about-this-collection/): This collection features recordings of former slaves discussing their experiences, recorded between 1932 and 1975. It provides a unique perspective on their lives and memories.

3. “The WPA and the Slave Narrative Collection” (https://www.loc.gov/collections/slave-narratives-from-the-federal-writers-project-1936-to-1938/articles-and-essays/introduction-to-the-wpa-slave-narratives/wpa-and-the-slave-narrative-collection): This collection is part of the Federal Writers’ Project and includes narratives collected during the 1930s. It offers a comprehensive look at the lives of former slaves.

Holocaust Oral History Archives

1. “United States Holocaust Memorial Museum” (https://www.ushmm.org/collections/the-museums-collections/about/oral-history)**: TheJeff and Toby Herr Oral History Archive is one of the largest and most diverse collections of Holocaust testimonies in the world. It includes interviews with survivors, liberators, collaborators, and more.

2. Gratz College Holocaust Oral History Archive, (https://hoha.digitalcollections.gratz.edu/)**: Established in 1979, this archive contains interviews with over 900 survivors, rescuers, liberators, and other witnesses to the Nazi era.

3. Virginia Holocaust Museum, (https://www.vaholocaust.org/oral-histories/)**: This Oral History Archive contains over 230 digitized testimonies, providing personal stories of people who experienced the Holocaust.

Immigration Oral Histories

1. “Ellis Island Oral History Project,” (https://www.statueofliberty.org/discover/stories-and-oral-histories/): This project collects and preserves the experiences of immigrants who passed through Ellis Island. It includes nearly 2,000 interviews with passengers, families, and officials.

2. “Archive of Immigrant Voices,” (https://archiveofimmigrantvoices.omeka.net/): Established by the Center for Global Migration Studies, this archive collects stories from migrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers.

3. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Oral History Library, (https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/our-history/oral-histories): This project includes interviews with past and present USCIS employees, preserving the history of U.S. immigration services.

General Population Oral Histories

1. StoryCorps, (https://www.storycorps.org/): This non-profit organization has a vast archive of recorded interviews with people from all walks of life. They aim to preserve and share humanity’s stories to build connections and create a more just and compassionate world.

2. Oral History Association, (https://www.oralhistory.org/): They offer extensive resources, including guides and examples of oral history projects, which can help you find or even participate in collecting oral histories.

3. “Smithsonian Folklife and Oral History Interviewing Guide” (https://folklife.si.edu/the-smithsonian-folklife-and-oral-history-interviewing-guide/smithsonian)**: This guide provides practical information on conducting and preserving oral histories. The Smithsonian Institution also has numerous oral history projects available to the public.

Often Overlooked But Equally Important

Uncovering the oral histories of our ancestors is like embarking on a priceless treasure hunt. Each story serves as a cherished relic, offering glimpses into the past and connecting us to generations gone by. As we explore these tales, we not only learn about the lives and experiences of our forebears but also gain a profound understanding of ourselves.

Recording our own stories is equally vital. By sharing our journeys, successes, and even our failures, we create a bridge to future generations, allowing them to know us on a deeply personal level. Our narratives become the threads that weave the tapestry of our family’s history, providing wisdom, inspiration, and a sense of belonging.

As you set out on your adventure, remember that every story matters. Your voice is an essential part of the grand family saga. Embrace the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy enriching the lives of those who follow. Plus, future generations will appreciate knowing that you survived a life through laughter, tears, hardships, and victories.

Happy Researching! Tania