What is an oral history?
Oral histories record historic information from individuals with first-hand knowledge of events, families, communities and time periods. Their perspectives and viewpoints provide the life and breathe to newspaper headlines, photographic records, geographic maps and factual statistics. Oral histories can be structured to record one individual's life in-depth, often stretching over many sessions. Oral histories also can be structured for shorter sessions, recording specific moments or general overviews.

Why record an oral history?

• Oral histories capture valuable stories that have never been recorded. These are the stories of everyday people and communities often overlooked in our history books.
• Time spent sharing an oral history is memorable. During an oral history, you share in the personal experience of another individual, learning life lessons, reflecting on the past and dreaming for tomorrow.

Oral History Workshops
Fall 2009 | Oct. 21 & Nov. 7 (PDF)

Are you interested in building your research skills, connecting with Seattle’s Asian Pacific American community, and volunteering for one of Seattle’s most unique cultural institutions?

The Wing Luke Asian Museum is offering artists, college students, community members, cultural practitioners, and journalists the opportunity to learn about collecting Asian Pacific American stories with Museum staff members. These hands-on workshops combine a general introduction to the art of oral histories with specialized sessions that cover the specifics of oral history projects, such as planning and gathering, transcribing and editing, and using oral histories in community-based exhibitions. Participants will be given the opportunity to contribute their skills to an existing exhibition project.

Please join us for an introductory workshop:

• Wednesday, October 21, 3 — 5 PM
• Saturday, November 7, 10 AM—NOON

Staff will continually work with participants after these sessions both one-on-one and in small groups to further develop skills. Students should inquire with your college or university to arrange for credit. Please contact Christina Seong to RSVP or by phone at 206.623.5124 x 102.

We all have stories to share and stories to hear…
The Oral History Lab in the Governor Gary Locke Library and Community Heritage Center at the Wing Luke Asian Museum is available to the public to record the life stories of friends, family and community members. At the Oral History Lab, we have instructions, equipment and tools for oral history gathering - but we need you to provide the stories! Bring someone important in your life to share, listen and learn with at the Oral History Lab.

The Oral History Lab is free to use by appointment.

Before coming…

• Ask a friend, family or community member to share her or his story with you. An interview typically lasts 45 minutes.
• Contact the Oral History Lab to schedule an interview time. Email us at library@wingluke.org, or call at (206) 623-5124 x. 121.
• Complete a "Get Started" worksheet with instructions for preparing your questions: Get Started (.DOC) (.PDF) • Oral History Documents (.DOC) (.PDF)
• Arrive together 10 to 15 minutes ahead of time to get settled, use the restroom and gather your thoughts.

During your visit...
Our Librarian will share briefly about the Oral History Lab, walk you through paperwork that asks for basic information, explain how to use the equipment, and answer questions you may have.

Tips:

• Use your question list as a starting point for your interview but include follow-up questions based on responses to your questions.
• Bring paper and a pencil to your interview. Taking quick notes during the interview helps you remember key points to follow-up on.
• Silence is okay. Pausing to gather your thoughts before asking the next question and to allow time to answer a question is perfectly fine.
• Use body language and eye contact to communicate you are listening and encourage sharing. A friendly smile, thoughtful nod, and leaning forward helps reassure the person being interviewed. Avoid sitting back with arms crossed when you ask your questions.

Afterwards…
Our Librarian will provide information on getting copies of your interview and next steps to preserve and share your stories. Oral histories become a part of the Wing Luke Asian Museum's permanent archive of community life.

Take time to reflect on your oral history experience. Explore creative ways at home to share your stories with others.

• Select short quotes from the oral history. Post them on your Facebook page, include them in your online blog, or print them on a handmade card or bookmark.
• Take a photo of your friend, family or community member, or make a copy of an older photo. Pair the quote with the photo to make a special card or postcard.
• Write a short story or poem based on the oral history.
• Make a family scrapbook with a family tree, photographs and oral histories.