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Echoes of Tomorrow: How Oral History Illuminates Our Modern Challenges

In a world increasingly shaped by algorithms, global crises, and rapid technological advancements, it might seem that the ancient art of oral history has little to say. Yet, by delving into the very essence of what oral history is—the collection, interpretation, and understanding of lived human experience—we find powerful intersections with our most pressing modern…
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“Invalid SD Card” on Your Zoom H1n? A Guide for Oral Historians

You’re in the middle of a powerful interview, capturing precious memories and insights, and then your Zoom H1n flashes that dreaded “Invalid SD Card” message. For oral historians, whose work hinges on reliable audio recording, this can feel like a minor crisis. But don’t panic! Let’s troubleshoot this together and get you back to documenting…
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Hearing the Full Story: Understanding the Zoom H1n’s Frequency Response for Oral History

As oral historians, our primary tool is often the humble audio recorder. We rely on these devices to faithfully capture the nuances of voice, the emotion in a tone, and the subtle sounds that paint a vivid picture of the past. For many, the Zoom H1n is a go-to recorder for its portability and ease…
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Beyond the Words: Capturing the Soundscape of Memory in Clean Verbatim Oral History

As oral historians, our commitment to clean verbatim transcription aims for accuracy and preserves the spoken word as closely as possible. However, the richness of an oral history interview often extends beyond the dialogue itself. Significant sound events – a sudden shift in tone, a poignant sigh, the distant chime of a clock – can…
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Beyond the Transcript: Understanding Oral Historiography

As oral historians, you dedicate yourselves to the profound act of listening. You meticulously record voices, capture memories, and preserve personal narratives that might otherwise fade into silence. But the journey from recorded interview to historical understanding extends beyond mere transcription. This is where oral historiography comes into play. So, what exactly is oral historiography?…
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Unearthing the Past: A Guide to Resources for Oral History Research

Oral history, the vibrant practice of collecting and preserving personal narratives through recorded interviews, offers a powerful lens into the past. It allows us to hear voices often missing from traditional historical accounts, providing unique insights into lived experiences, cultural traditions, and social changes. Embarking on an oral history project can be incredibly rewarding, but…
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Echoes of the Chair: Oral History in the Shadow of a Papal Transition

The world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. As the Catholic Church navigates this period of transition and prepares for a conclave to elect his successor, reflections on the lives and legacies of past popes become particularly poignant. While meticulously kept written…
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Echoes of the Tariff Walls: Oral History in the Crossfire of Trade Disputes

The air crackles with economic tension. The term “tariff war” has become commonplace in our daily news, a stark reminder of the fragility of global trade and interconnectedness. But beyond the statistics and political rhetoric, what is the human cost of these escalating trade disputes? How are the lives and livelihoods of ordinary people being…
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Why Documenting Our Experiences of the Rapid Rise of AI in Everyday Life through Oral History is Crucial

The air crackles with a new kind of energy. From the subtle suggestions of our streaming services to the increasingly sophisticated chatbots answering our queries, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic fantasy – it’s woven into the fabric of our daily lives here and now. This rapid integration, a trend that has accelerated…
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Bridging Worlds: Adapting Your Interview Approach across Cultures

Oral history is a powerful tool for understanding diverse human experiences. However, the very act of interviewing is deeply rooted in cultural norms and communication styles. What might be considered a respectful and engaging approach in one context could be perceived as intrusive, confusing, or even offensive in another. As oral historians, it’s our ethical…