Oral History Training Workshop

10 AM  – 12 PM Saturday May 2, 2026

At the Bell School, 25 Drift Road, Westport

 “When an Elder dies, it’s like a library has burned to the ground.”

This proverb (possibly African in origin) is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving invaluable knowledge collected through life experience, especially knowledge of a place and the way a community has changed over a lifetime.

The Westport Historical Society has gathered many oral histories over the years. Inspired by the archive created in 1976 for the Bicentennial and to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence, we now seek to recruit volunteers to reinvigorate and strengthen our oral history program, with a focus on gathering life stories of the baby boomer generation 1946 – 1954 and Generation Jones (1954-1965). Our goal is to create an archive that will used by future historians.

If you are interested, the first step is to learn more about how to conduct an oral history interview. On May 2 we offer a workshop conducted by Marta Martinez, founder of the Latino Oral History Project of Rhode Island, that will provide an overview of the interview process: best practices, using recording equipment, and a hands-on set up and practice session.

Qualifications for potential interviewers:

  • A familiarity with Westport (this is a requirement!)
  • Interested in other people’s stories
  • Would be prepared to interview one person by June 13, 2026
  • Willing to attend meetings (training session, follow up meeting June 13)
  • Ability to operate a simple recording device (with training)

Seating is limited. Pre-registration is required by April 11.

To secure your seat please complete the application form and mail a $20 donation payable to Westport Historical Society

 

 

https://forms.gle/HNYzaR7aLQwKon8e6