Introduction to Oral History
Study Group (2-3 session | Available
Join us for a two-session, hands-on workshop series where participants will learn the practical skills and thoughtful approach needed to complete meaningful oral history interviews. Rather than just hearing about the process, you’ll actively practice it— guided step-by-step by Virginia Siegel, Director of Arkansas Folk and Traditional Arts at the University of Arkansas.
In the first session, we’ll explore the foundations of oral history: interviewing techniques, ethical considerations, how to develop effective questions, and how to use field recorders with confidence. Between sessions, you’ll put your new skills into action through a short “homework” assignment—recording a brief oral history with a friend or family member. In the second session, we’ll come back together to reflect on your experience, discuss challenges and successes, and learn best archival practices for preserving audio interviews.
Whether you’re documenting family stories or community history, you’ll leave with the tools and understanding to ensure those voices are heard and preserved for generations to come.
This program will meet in person at OLLI Headquarters (HQ), located at 481 S. Shiloh Drive, Fayetteville, AR 72704. Please read your class reminder email for the exact room location.
Class changes occasionally happen; please watch for (and read) announcements or emails from OLLI regarding your class.
Click on the link below for a Google map shot of our location:
Virginia Siegel
Virginia Siegel, professor of practice, is the Director of Arkansas Folk and Traditional Arts, a department of the University of Arkansas Libraries Special Collections Division. She also serves as oral historian for Special Collections. She holds an MA in Folk Studies from Western Kentucky University.