Oral history is the collection and study of historical information through recorded interviews with people who participated in or witnessed past events. Unlike written history, oral history captures voice, emotion, and personal perspective—preserving not just what happened, but how it felt. For families, oral history means recording grandparents' stories before they're lost forever.
The formal definition
According to the Oral History Association, oral history is "a field of study and a method of gathering, preserving, and interpreting the voices and memories of people, communities, and participants in past events." It emerged as an academic discipline in the 1940s but the practice—passing down stories through spoken word—is as old as humanity itself.
Why oral history matters
Written records miss what only lived experience captures: the fear in a soldier's voice, the joy in a grandmother's laugh, the pauses where emotions overwhelm words. Oral history preserves perspective and personality, not just facts. It gives voice to ordinary people whose stories rarely appear in textbooks but shape families and communities.
Family oral history vs. academic oral history
Academic oral historians follow strict protocols for archives and research. Family oral history is simpler: you're not writing a dissertation, you're saving grandma's stories. You don't need perfect audio quality or comprehensive coverage—you need authenticity. The bar is lower but the stakes are personal.
How to conduct a family oral history interview
1. Prepare questions but don't over-script—let conversation flow. 2. Use recording equipment (even a smartphone works). 3. Choose a quiet, comfortable location. 4. Start with easy questions to warm up. 5. Ask follow-ups: "Tell me more about that" or "How did that feel?" 6. Let silences happen—they often precede the best stories.
Best questions for oral history
Open-ended questions work best: "What was your childhood like?" "How did you meet [spouse]?" "What's the biggest change you've seen in your lifetime?" "What do you want people to remember about you?" Avoid yes/no questions. Ask for stories, not facts—"Tell me about a time when..." unlocks more than "When did you..."
Preserving your oral history
Recording is step one; preservation is ongoing. Transcribe interviews (AI makes this easy now). Back up files in multiple places. Label everything: who, when, what topics. Consider creating a book or video compilation. Tools like Secured Memories combine recording, transcription, and book creation in one platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to start?
Capture family stories with guided prompts, easy recording, and a beautiful book export.
Start Your Family's Oral History