Painted on a wall at the Ellis Island Museum in New York City is a quote from an unknown Italian immigrant: “I came to America because I heard the streets were paved with gold. When I got here, I found out three things: First, the streets weren’t paved with gold; second, they weren’t paved at all; and third, I was expected to pave them.” Read full story with a link to Ellis Island website here.
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Ukraine Journalism
“Since Russia launched a full-scale war in Ukraine, the world has watched a constant stream of footage from the battlefield in real time. Soldiers and ordinary citizens turn into war correspondents posting photos and videos on social media, while local and international press are reporting on-the-ground. Responding to an unprecedented amount of available information at this critical time, Public Interest Journalism Lab—partner of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and 2022 NED Democracy Award honoree—distills complex issues facing Ukrainian society with a new kind of storytelling.” Read full story here.
Hinkler Project, Bundaberg
“A special storytelling project which aims to preserve the history of Bert Hinkler and provide an insight into how Hinkler House and Hinkler Hall of Aviation were constructed will soon come to fruition. The Regional Arts Development Fund has recently allocated $3000 to help bring to life the oral history project which is set to be produced by locals. Read full story here.
CWA in Wollongong
“Wollongong City Council is celebrating the contribution of the Illawarra’s Country Women’s Association branches through a new art exhibition along the city’s Bonacina Walkway.” Read the story which includes a link to website featuring audio of interviews here.
Every Hill Got A Story
“From living off the land to negotiating their place in the digital age, Every Hill Got a Story is the first comprehensive history of Central Australia’s Aboriginal people, as told in their own words and their many languages.” Read more and listen to the stories here.
Falklands War Memories
“On 2 April 1982, Argentinian forces invaded the Falkland Islands. Efforts to resolve the conflict diplomatically soon failed, and on 5 April the British government launched an amphibious task force in response.” Read more and listen to interviews here.
Women in US Armed Forces
“Over the last two years, students at the University of Texas at San Antonio and Our Lady of the Lake University have collected the oral histories of more than 70 women who served in the U.S. armed forces. They digitized and transcribed them for posterity. The public can now listen to their work.” Read full story here.
Ellis Island Immigration stories with dance
“Oral histories are among the most prized resources in historical research. They capture stories that otherwise might not have been written or lost. Chronicling the history of immigration in the U.S. is enriched by the stories of those who decided to leave their homelands, travel great distances often in difficult circumstances and arrive in a place where they might be permanently separated from their heritage, background and culture. Many immigrants quickly and outwardly adapt to their new environment but even as they assimilate into their new American homes many also still remember, preserve and identify proudly with the legacies of their homelands.” Read full story here.
Mobile Oral History Vehicle
“To convince more people to participate, IAS staff contacted Vahe Karapetian, a food truck entrepreneur and IAS donor, about converting a truck into a mobile recording studio and bringing the idea and process of interviewing to the community.” This vehicle is being used to collect oral histories from Armenian people in their area – an interesting way to do interviews. Read full article, with link to the website here.
Oral History Workshop
Oral History Queensland is conducting a Brisbane based workshop on 30 April 2022 for people interested in commencing an oral history project. Led by OHQ President Elisabeth Gondwe, the workshop will introduce participants to project planning, ethics and permissions, techniques used in interviewing, recording, file management and transcription. Elisabeth has delivered many oral history projects throughout her career. Her role as curator at the North Stradbroke Island Museum on Minjerribah encourages oral traditions and a focus on community. If you are interested in developing an oral history project or wish to record your family or community stories, this workshop is a great way to start. We particularly encourage new members to attend. Find out more here.