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The Importance of Oral History

Oral history captures peoples' voices - it's the recording of memories - the living history of unique life experiences.

Life story recordings help us understand history through the words of those who were involved. With oral history we can learn new information and hear different viewpoints which challenge the history books. It presents the voices of people who have not written about their lives and who may otherwise be 'hidden from history'.

Oral history allows us to hear, first hand, how change happens and to appreciate its impact on people - what it means to them, how they cope, and consequently, how lives continue.

- Dr Michelle Winslow, Oral History Society -