Oral History

Oral history is a powerful tool that can shape understandings of the past and fill gaps in the historical record.

In-depth interviews can shed light on the personalities and events that have influenced your organisation and give voice to underrepresented groups. Oral history can be used in a diverse range of historical productions including podcasts, museum exhibitions, television and radio documentaries, as well as in websites and books. History Ink has experience in managing oral history programmes for both cultural and commercial entities. We have worked together with youth organisations to deliver oral histories, worked on reminiscence projects in retirement homes, and successfully created oral history engagement tools that have been used in exhibitions and online. Importantly, we also understand the sensitivities and ethics involved in the oral history process.

We can:

• Project manage oral history programmes from start to finish, including identifying interviewees and filling gaps in your collection to ensure inclusivity

• Expertly record detailed ‘life history’ interviews on film or audio with people from all ages and backgrounds

• Transcribe interviews to a professional standard and advise on copyright and data protection requirements

• Create audience engagement programmes and volunteer training activities

• Work with producers to create audio-visual outputs including exhibition films, podcasts, and online content