In an age where digital footprints dominate personal narratives, where we can puzzle together a generations every outing, big event or just a Sunday afternoon, there is something profoundly valuable about sitting down with a professional historian for an oral history Australia interview.
The practice of interviewing someone; sitting down with them and recording first-hand accounts of their lives and moments in history offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the tapestry of human experience in a way that transcends the limitations of social media posts or hastily written emails.
We are fortunate that government archives, local historical societies, libraries and institutions give us access to records – public and sometimes private – whereby we can learn more about individuals, groups and moments in time. However, being able to speak with individuals who want to participate in an oral history Australia interview is a chance to preserve authentic voices for future generations; to take down their stories which are not written in public record and which are not searchable.
Unlike the preserved archive or the curated online persona, an interview with an individual, a group of like-minded people, society, club or community is able to capture genuine emotions, nuances of speech, and give colour to stories, events and moments in time. These are stories that may not be able to be captured anywhere else and will disappear with their memory keepers over time and the inevitable end of our lives.
Having the opportunity to sit down with individuals and take down their stories is a privilege, and also a chance to learn more about someone or something without judgement or implied knowledge that comes with someone known to you.
Being removed from a situation affords an interviewee a chance to tell their story to us in a comfortable and confident environment.
Engaging with a professional historian to interview and take down stories is not just about recounting past events, but also about participating in preserving moments in time, special memories and people, as well as contributing to a legacy that extends far beyond individuals. It is never too soon to get in touch to get your story down.
