VMH Oral History Training

Pictured above: Oral Historian Barbara Sommer

Are you a good listener and interested in hearing amazing stories from area veterans? Are you interested in thanking those who have served and preserving their stories for generations to come? The St. Louis County Historical Society can use your time and talents.

Veterans Memorial Hall, a program of the St. Louis County Historical Society, is looking for volunteers to conduct oral history interviews with area veterans from all military branches and conflicts. Everyone has a story. The Society will host a training session Friday, April 6th in The Depot at 506 W. Michigan St., Duluth, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for those interested in learning proper interview techniques. A complimentary lunch being provided.

Participants will learn the background of the Oral History Program and the importance of recording and preserving these interviews. Oral Historian Barbara Sommer will give volunteers the tools and confidence to conduct one-on-one interviews with veterans. This session is good for first-time interviewers and for those who have had training in the past and need a refresher. There will be time to practice with the recording equipment.

Once interviewers are assigned to interview a veteran and complete that task, the interviews are transcribed and stored within the Albert J. Amatuzio Research Center in the Veterans Memorial Hall. They will also be available online at vets-hall.org. It is important to know how to properly interview our veterans, preserving their stories for generations to come.

If you are interested in attending, please contact Pippi Mayfield at pippi@thehistorypeople.org or call the Society at 218.733.7586.