Museums, media and the internet have done us well by preserving our American cultural history with one major exception, oral histories. Oral histories provide an opportunity for individuals to share memories or life experiences and then archived for the public to learn and enjoy. However, oral histories are dedicated to major events (like i.e., armed forces service, social movements). From one-on-one interviews, folklore dramas and youth involvement, there are numerous types of oral histories. Each oral history type is an event. Subjects are unique for each oral history project. The sharing and recording process of each oral history project is different.
StoryCares is focused on 20th, 21st centuries cultural history. Thus, a combination of oral history with cultural history to become oral cultural history focused on 20th, 21st centuries cultural history of localities and regions.
We are exposed to something close to oral cultural histories (like i.e., collectors talking about their vintage collections on programs like American Pickers). As beautiful and valuable as say a vintage time piece and many other vintage things are; there is another level of American 20th, 21st century cultural history that impacted a great many more people locally and regionally. Local/regional restaurants, stores, shopping centers, businesses and other things are a fabric of our lives and are cultural icons. Some of those referenced cultural icons have long ago past and others still flourish today.
Overall, far too many memories and life stories about American local and regional cultural history have been lost and continue to become lost. Our life experiences and memories of local, regional cultural icons are with us as long as we are here to share our memories directly, or indirectly from someone entrusted to share memories (like i.e., a caregiver or senior service administrator). Of course, an opportunity to share, record and archive memories must be organized.
StoryCares organizes in-person oral cultural history interviews as special events with audiences, or group meetings with or without audiences. Special event or group meeting oral cultural histories are archived representing the host community. Not everyone will attend a community oral cultural history special event or meeting thus, individuals who learn about StoryCares events or meetings are also encouraged to participate (as individuals or a group) using virtual meetings with StoryCare’s interviewers.
Oral cultural history interviews are recorded, audio streamed and archived by outstanding professional interviewers with backgrounds in history, media and education. Storycares understands and respects that privacy for seniors and others is critical. Storycares honors and ensures privacy.
Your memories and life experiences about local and regional cultural icons are extremely valuable for preserving your memories, and the cultural history of our communities, towns and regions now and for generations to come.
To learn more about Oral Cultural History special events, group meetings and individual OCH recordings contact: [email protected]
