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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…
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Whispers of Resilience, Echoes of Vulnerability: Navigating Oral History with Specific Populations
Oral history, at its heart, is about amplifying voices often unheard, weaving together the rich tapestry of human experience. But what happens when those voices belong to individuals who have navigated unique and often challenging circumstances? Conducting oral histories with specific populations like children, refugees, or survivors of trauma demands a sensitivity, ethical awareness, and…
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Navigating the Present with Care: Ethical Considerations in Collecting Oral Histories of Frontline Healthworkers During the COVID Pandemic
Alright history buffs and future memory keepers! We all remember those days, right? The endless handwashing, the Zoom fatigue, and the collective holding of breath. But imagine being on the actual frontlines of that whirlwind – the incredible healthcare heroes who navigated the chaos with masks, courage, and a whole lot of hand sanitizer. Now,…
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Unlock Oral History: How Interactive Maps Bring Stories to Life.
As an oral history researcher, our mission is to keep precious human experiences alive and share their richness. We listen closely, transcribe carefully and craft compelling stories from spoken words. But what if we could add another powerful layer to these narratives? Imagine a visual dimension that grounds memories in real places, allowing your audience…
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Ditch the Dusty Tape Recorder: Level Up Your Oral History with Digital Storytelling!
Let’s be honest, the phrase “oral history project” can conjure up images of crackly audio, endless transcripts, and maybe a slightly sleepy audience. But what if we told you there’s a way to breathe vibrant life into these invaluable stories, making them not just informative, but utterly captivating? Enter the magic of digital storytelling and…
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Quick Easy Steps on How to Share Audio and Video Files for Transcription with Google Drive
Struggling to transcribe audio or video files? Google Drive can be your lifesaver! This guide will show you how to upload your files and share them with a transcription service, saving you time and effort. What You’ll Need: A Google account (which includes Gmail) Steps: Sign in to Gmail: If you don’t have a Google…
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Shrink It Down! How Audacity Can Save You from Monster Audio & Video Files
Ever record an amazing interview, lecture, or video, only to find the file size is about as big as your stress level after a missed deadline? Fear not, transcription warriors and data collectors! Today, we’re introducing you to Audacity, your free and friendly audio chameleon. Audacity can shrink your audio and even video files without…
