Oral history is a method of gathering and preserving personal accounts and stories from individuals about their experiences and memories. This practice often involves interviews where people share their perspectives on significant events, cultural traditions, or everyday life. By capturing these narratives, oral history helps to create a richer understanding of the past, especially for communities whose stories may not be well-documented in written records.
This approach is particularly valuable in studying topics like civil rights, immigration, or local history. Oral histories can provide insights into the lives of people, such as veterans or elders, and highlight diverse viewpoints that contribute to a more comprehensive historical narrative.