Oral History is an empowerment process for people . You can record your history using your perhaps, hidden skills to record your past and present day life . Peoples history has not always been valued , now is your chance to change this .People have been enabled to tell their history, in their way ,relatively recently with advent of the recording process that was set in motion by the University of Chicago in America . New technology meant that the process became availabIe for all to use , enjoy , and to benefit from.
Prior to this, Oral History began centuries ago with the native shaman or shamankas (wise people) and with the community in various societies around the world . Peoples history was passed on by the spoken word and in artistic symbolism to record and enlighten future generations. It is a vitally important craft.
BUT……….IT CAN BE FUN TOO!
Oral History can be used in a variety of different settings ,some of which are; A funded project, life long learning , schools, instituitions, community, volunteer projects, or…..academic ,to name just a few.
The enjoyment of learning becomes evident when people are shown the skill of recording their life histories as individuals or in a group. By people being taught the skill of interviewing , photography , and art and then placing this in an historical context it provides substantiation of what is being recorded by them .This can be produced as exhibitions or in book form. It can look and sound stunning as it brings to life, memories, and history too.
All age groups can benefit by the new skills learnt and above all they have a voice . It is an invaluble process for learning ,leisure , enjoyment and making a statement of ones own.
I have taught this process for a number of years and am a member of the Oral History Society of Great Britain. If you or your group are interested in knowing more about courses, workshops , and the consultation service that I offer on Oral History and the Arts then contact me , Pat Carter.
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