Oral History Interview Essay
Everyone has a personal history. Even people who say, “there is nothing interesting to tell about my life” have something from their past worth sharing. From an obvious historical event or role, such as a military veteran, 9/11 responder, or civil rights movement member, to living through a major disaster, or recalling a presidential assassination, people are made of history.
Be it family history for genealogical purposes, wanting to know more about grandpa’s military service, or asking mom what it was like seeing the Beatles on television for the first time, history shapes us as a species. Studying the past connects us to our family, friends, and community. We can all have a conversation about where we were on 9/11. Most of us can talk about the outfit in which mom looked most stunning. We can tell the family stories we’ve heard from relatives at holiday tables. People LOVE hearing these stories. We love sharing our human nature with those who do not share our blood. And better yet, we desire to know from what our own blood is made.
Your assignment is to write a personal history report about a family member, friend, or community member.
Your subject can be anyone alive discussing any topic within history. If you want to interview grandma about her childhood, excellent. If your dad lived through a natural disaster during college, and you want to record this portion of his personal history, great. Maybe you know a Vietnam veteran. Perhaps your elderly neighbor worked the same postal beat for 40 years before retiring. Whatever it is, I want you to tell the story!
Pro Tip: Write this as if it is for current or future children in your family/life. What do you want them to know about this story? What questions may rattle through their little minds? Be sure to include all the “filler” details. In your proof reading stage, ensure you haven’t left any holes to allow for further questions. Consider having a family member or roommate check for missing details as well.
Parameters:
-Cover page including: Your name, interviewee’s name, date, topic , date of birth of interviewee, place of interviewee’s birth, and names of their parents.
-12 pt. font, Times New Roman, double-spaced, stapled.
-5 pages of interview written as a narrative of the story you received.
-Include at the end of the paper: a copy of your notes, a photo of this person, and 2 pages of reflection on this experience.
-You will also need to include at least 2 cited sources of research material to support the story.
