Many people in our communities have lived through history that changed our society and our world. Their individual stories are priceless, and their personal histories need to be recorded to document and make meaning of the past. Oral history is a field that is rapidly growing because of the pressing need to preserve these powerful stories.

Sitting with a stranger and capturing his or her personal walk through historic times creates a link between generations, and builds community as our understanding of history is enriched. In addition, we are sometimes asked to record the oral history of a terminally ill client as a loving gift for the family left behind. In this special form of interview, the “storycatcher” experiences a highly spiritual honor, traveling on the client’s life journey while helping him or her make peace with life and family.

This is a fulfilling, fascinating career that you will never tire of, for each story will be dramatically different.

This workshop provides everything you need to know in order to capture oral histories. The workshop is designed for anyone with a passion for storytelling, whether you are a family member wanting to document family history, an educator striving to bring history to life for your students, a professional working on a community project, or if you wish to begin your own business as an oral historian.

Workshop presenter Kelly Sturgeon ensures that participants will learn “the best practices” for recording and archiving oral histories, as established by the Oral History Association. The workshop will focus on:

1. Interviewing techniques

The Professionals:
• Kelly Sturgeon, oral history practioner for 20 years and proprietor of My Storycatcher, and the Oral History Curator for the Vietnam Veterans of California;
• Berkley Sturgeon, multi-media producer, proprietor of My Storycatcher, and website designer;
• Lonny Weissman, educator and Vietnam Veteran; and
• Michelle Kaufmann, Collections Manager, Marin History Museum.
• Pamela Camille, published author, reverend, and writing educator;

This workshop is sponsored by the California Oral History Project, My Storycatcher, Oral History Education.com, and Creekside Cottage Assisted Living. To learn more, visit My Storycatcher's workshop page.