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Oral History Process
The Studio for Southern California History approaches the process of gathering oral histories with sensitivity and preparation. As each interview subject will reveal a unique experience, each interview will be different. Further, as memory is often a malleable and subject to change, a good interviewer should be flexible and well-prepared for the interview itself.
Preparation
Prior to the interview itself, the Studio gathers background information on the person who will be interviewed in order to provide informed questions during the interview.
Permission
Prior to the interview, the Studio obtains permission to conduct the interview, explains the goals of its use at the Studio for Southern California History, and the mission of the Studio for Southern California History. All interviewees are allowed to provide limitations on the use of the interview. Download a copy of our permission form here.
Open Ended Questions
In addition to questions that are relevant to the interviewees, the Studio tries to ask questions that require more than ‘yes’ or ‘no’ responses. While many oral historians agree that the interviewer should refrain from inserting themselves into the interview, the Studio allows for the occasional response from its interviewers.
Other items
The Studio asks interviewees to bring old family photographs, yearbooks, or personal items that are relevant to the interview. During the interview, the interviewee should be asked to provide descriptions of the items and explain when and where the item was obtained. Further, recording the photograph and material in question will augment any historical record. The Studio for Southern California History understands that oral history is one tool among many that historians use. The Studio specifically requests images of Southern California in order to build its database.
The Last Word
At the end of the interview, the interviewee is asked if there is anything he or she would like to add to the interview. Oral histories may be emotional experiences and this is a good moment for the interviewer to formally thank each person.
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