1. Oral History Workshop

    May 4, 2015 by NOHA

    Oral History Workshop
    Jim Strassmaier &  Michael O’Rourke, former OHS Oral Historians
    Saturday, May 9 at 10  AM
    More details about our best custom writing service and other projects can be seen at https://bestwritingservice.com/
    Oregon Historical  Society
    $20, $15 for OHS  members (1)

    If you  have ever considered doing an oral history of a family member, friend, or  members of your organization or company, this workshop will give you basic  information on how to get started. Included will be interviewing techniques,  effective procedures, and standards for recording, documentation, and  preservation of your work. Workshop instructors are seasoned professionals who  have worked for over two decades as oral historians. After this workshop, you  can test out your new skills by taking an oral history of your mother for a  special Mother’s Day gift!

    This  workshop is presented in association with the Oregon Labor Oral History Program  of the Pacific NW Labor History Association & the Labor Education and  Research Center (LERC), University of Oregon.

  2. NOHA Oral History Conference–March 6, 2015

    February 15, 2015 by NOHA

    Please join NOHA on March 6, 2015, for a full day of oral history sessions at the Seattle Public Library.  The conference is free and will be held in conjunction with the Pacific Northwest Historians Guild Conference.  If you are new to the field or want to refresh your skills, come to the basic oral training session in the morning.  The afternoon program is open to everyone and includes presentations by oral historians from throughout the Northwest who will discuss their innovative projects and new ideas for using your interviews.  A collaborative session to share more information with your colleagues will follow. See the full program below.

    We will be holding a meeting of NOHA members following the workshop and ask you to bring ideas for how the organization can meet your needs.

    There is no charge for the conference, but please let us know you are coming by registering online at the Pacific Northwest Historians Guild website.  Walk-ins will be welcome. You can also order a box lunch or bring your own.      https://docs.google.com/forms/d/197u2m72CGvbs808myHV0Jg5KsZqc4pN8IagVpQuXw1k/viewform

    Plan to come on Saturday, March 7th, for the annual Pacific Northwest Historians Guild conference.  Under the theme of The Urban Northwest in Landscape and Story, the day will include presentations on a variety of Northwest history topics.

    Tell your friends and colleagues about the conference and please join us on March 6th and 7th.  If you need more information, please contact Sherry Boswell at [email protected]

     

                                                       Oral History Workshop

                                    Capturing and Sharing Stories of the Northwest

    Northwest Oral History Association

    In Collaboration with Seattle Public Library and Pacific Northwest Historians Guild

    March 6, 2015       Seattle Public Library, 1000 4th Avenue

     

    9:00-12:00           Capturing Stories: Basic Oral Interviewing Skills

    Room 1, Level 4

    Facilitators:

    Sharon Boswell

    Lorraine McConaghy

    Learn about the basic techniques to plan and record oral history interviews.

    • Philosophy and Practice
    • Project Planning
    • Research
    • Equipment Selection
    • Interview Techniques
    • Documentation and Preservation

    12:00-1:00           Lunch (reserve a box lunch or bring your own)

    Room 1, Level 4

    Time for talk and questions.

     

    1:00-3:30              Sharing Stories: Diverse Oral History Projects from the Northwest

    Room 1, Level 4

    Learn about innovative uses of oral history in a variety of projects and settings.

     

    1:00-2:15

    School Project: Telling Our Westside Stories with Madison Middle School Students

    Judy Bentley, South Seattle College; Clay Eals, Executive Director, Southwest Seattle Historical Society

    Library Program: History in Memories and Stories: a UW East Asia Library Initiative

    Zhijia Shen, Director, East Asia Library, University of Washington; Lillian Prueher, Sociocultural Anthropology PhD Student, Univ. of Washington

    Historical Society Series: Women and Politics—Comparable Worth and the ERA

    Sharon Boswell, SWCA Environmental Consultants, Women’s History Consortium, Washington State Historical Society

     

    2:30-3:30

    Traveling Exhibit: Uprooted: Japanese American Farm Labor Camps In World War II

    Morgen Young, Consulting Historian, Portland, Oregon

     Labor Union Publication: Bringing Power to the People: The History of IBEW Local #77

    Ellie Belew, Independent Historian, Roslyn, Washington

    Readers Theater: Speaking History:  Using Oral History in Readers Theater Programs

    Lorraine McConaghy, Historian Emeritus, Museum of History and Industry

     

    3:30-4:30              Collaboration Sessions

    Room 2, Level 4

    Learn from each other and address questions and opportunities.

    Presenters will be available to provide more information and discuss individual projects with attendees in an informal setting.

     

    5:00-6:00              Northwest Oral History Association Business Meeting (for members only)

    Bring your ideas about how NOHA can serve your needs

    Room 2, Level 4

     

     


  3. Two Colleagues We Will Miss

    July 13, 2014 by NOHA

    Marjorie A. Edens and Kay Atwood

    Two prominent Southern Oregon oral historians left us this spring, but not without passing on lasting legacies.

    Marjorie A. Edens of Jacksonville died April 1, 2014. Marjorie was first a volunteer at the Southern Oregon Historical Society in 1976. She began doing oral history interviews in the late 1970s, and over a span of more than two decades interviewed hundreds of Jackson County residents. Marjorie was also a photographer and a virtuoso transcriber, and her interviews entered the SOHS research library as full assemblages of taped interview, an annotated transcript, contemporary photographs, and copies of historical photographs and supplementary materials. Her interviews contributed to many exhibits and projects for SOHS. Among the topics she excelled in were the social history of the area’s early orchard-growing families, and agriculture and business. She also gave workshops on oral history techniques.

    Marjorie participated actively in the town of Jacksonville, supporting historic home tours, the public library, the picturesque city cemetery, and, her special effort, the revival of the gardens on the grounds of the Britt Festivals. The gardens were initially developed by pioneer photographer and horticulturalist Peter Britt (1819-1905). Marjorie’s estate benefits the Jacksonville Boosters Association for the restoration of the gardens.

    Kay Atwood of Ashland died on May 24, 2014. Educated in theater and theater design, Kay came from California to Ashland in 1969 to work at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, but soon also took a hand doing exhibit work for the Southern Oregon Historical Society. She plunged into oral history with what became her first book, Jackson County Conversations (1975), recounting the personal stories of local orchardists. She soon became a regional historian of note, her work characterized by a graceful writing style and deep research.

    Kay’s extensive research files and manuscripts were deposited with the Hannon Library at Southern Oregon University.

    From Richard Engeman, Oregon Rediviva

     


  4. Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health Job Posting

    July 11, 2014 by NOHA

    Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health Project

    The Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health has a position open for a project manager for our oral history ‘Story Project’. The position is for a limited one-year duration, 10 hours-a-week at $16 an hour.  This position is grant funded and builds upon the Museum’s commitment to Bear Witness and Give Voice to those who have experience with mental illness or the Oregon State Hospital in particular.

    The project manager will be responsible for developing protocols to welcome participants, orient them to the interview process, handle the technical and administrative aspects of recordings, and do whatever s/he can to make the experience as positive as possible including assuming the role of interviewer when a participant arrives alone. The project manager will participate as a curator and train volunteers to facilitate story collection.  The project manager will be responsible for data entry, archival processing tasks to ensure preservation of interviews and an accurate record the day’s activities, reporting, and other tasks necessary to the preservation of interviews and upkeep of recording space and equipment.

    More information about the Museum, the Story Project and the requirements for this position may be found at www.oshmuseum.org.

  5. NOHA Membership Signup Announcement

    March 20, 2014 by NOHA

    NOHA ANNOUNCEMENT FOR JULY 2014

    NOHA Membership Renewals for 2014:

    While we explore electronic payment options, we ask that you please send checks for new memberships or renewals. A one-year membership is $20 and a two-year membership is currently $35. A Membership Application Form is attached to this post so that you can update your contact information if needed. Please consider printing several copies and passing them on to friends and colleagues who may be interested.

    Visit our Membership Page for more information.


  6. Northwest Oral History Association Showcase: Thursday, April 3, 2014

    March 17, 2014 by NOHA

    Northwest Oral History Association Showcase: Thursday, April 3, 2014

    Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay 8:45 AM to 4 PM

     

    Lunch “On your Own” (11:30 pm – 1:00 pm)

    Registration Fee: $55 for Non Members (Includes 1-year NOHA Membership)

    Admission is Free to NOHA Members (Membership will be verified at the door.)

    All attendees will receive a $5 lunch benefit. **

     

    The Northwest Oral History Association Showcase is a full day of presentations by accomplished oral historians, using their projects as a framework to share tips and techniques.  The Showcase will feature the following historians:

     

    • Linda Tamura, Ed.D, Professor Emeritus Willamette University: Linda will use her book, Nisei Soldiers Break Their Silence: Coming Home to Hood River, to discuss how to ethically approach and encourage narratives on sensitive topics.

     

    • Travis Williams, NOHA Secretary, Photographer & Oral Historian: Travis will use his years of photography experience to explain lighting basics, effective uses of personal photography and archival images, including a backup plan with cellphone video.

     

    • Sharon Boswell, MA, Senior Historian from Seattle, WA: Sharon will share her considerable oral history experience to demonstrate how to effectively of use oral history interviews in historic preservation.

     

    • Lorraine McConaghy, Seattle Museum of History & Industry: Lorraine will describe her experience in the world of oral history, including her work with reader’s theaters and other projects.

     

    Human Subjects & Informed Consent Panel

     

    • Katy Liljeholm, Executive Director of Well Arts Institute: Katy will share her work that uses the biographies and life experience of vulnerable individuals to produce theater from oral history.

     

    • John McLain, Director of Grants and Human Subjects Research, Evergreen State College, Olympia Washington: John will explain his work with informed consent, and other aspects of reviewing oral history and other projects for clearance at the higher education level.

     

    The NOHA Showcase offers a window into current work in the oral history community that will be of interest to beginners and currently active historians. If you have special needs, please email requests to: .

     

    **Lunch is “on your own”. There is a restaurant in the hotel, which would ensure a timely return. With this in mind, NOHA is offering a $5 lunch benefit for NOHA Showcase attendees. See online menu here: http://www.redlion.com/our-hotels/washington/vancouver/dining.



  7. Recent Updates and Announcements

    March 6, 2013 by NOHA

    NOHA ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR MARCH 2013

    NOHA Membership Renewals for 2013: Membership renewals are generally
    due in April of each year, as this is the beginning of NOHA’s fiscal year. The
    cost is a mere $15 if you pay online with PayPal. This is the auto-renewal
    membership option, so you don’t have to write a check each year. You can sign
    up for auto renew at: https://northwestoralhistory.org/membershipform.php . A
    one-year membership by check is $20 and a two-year membership is currently
    $35. I have attached our membership application form to this email so you can
    update your contact and other information if needed and you can print it out and
    pass it on to a friend. We are considering an increase in the membership fee
    and membership is a real bargain at this point.

    Advertising in the NOHA Newsletter

    We are now accepting advertising from NOHA members for our bi-annual newsletter. Members are responsible for their
    own graphics. One member has opted for a business card sized ad, which goes
    for $35. This is the easiest way to avoid the detail of creating graphics. Proceeds
    will be applied to the cost of producing the newsletter.

    Well Arts Institute

    There have been many artistic uses of oral histories through
    the years and the Well Arts Institute offers one example. Well Arts partners
    with various organizations to facilitate playwriting workshops for people living
    with physical or mental challenges, which can be life changing. They develop
    oral histories into staged readings with professional theatre artists who are
    personally coached by the participants bring their stories to the stage. I saw
    one of their recent performances using stories from senior citizens living in low-
    income housing and it was very powerful. Their most recent endeavor presents
    the results of their partnership with the Washington County National Alliance
    on Mental Illness, A Wall Is a Road, at the Firehouse Theatre on 1436 S.E.
    Montgomery Street. Upcoming shows are March 8, 9, 15 & 16. Performances
    start at 7:30 PM on Fridays, with matinee only shows on Saturdays at 2:00 PM.
    Read more about Well Arts at past, present, and future uses of oral history and
    purchase tickets at: http://wellarts.org/ . Please be aware that the Firehouse
    Theatre is tucked in behind Portland State University and can present parking
    challenges. Well Arts sometimes offers a shuttle to performances. Details
    regarding this should also be available on their website.

    Wanted – Oral History Stories on Columbia County

    Dennis Galloway notified
    us that he is looking for oral history stories related to Columbia County. Dennis
    has done some exquisite photographic studies of various agricultural structures,
    including several belonging to the Mid Columbia Producers Co-Op. He would
    like to include a brief text of the human story behind these pictures. He would
    also like to partner with a journalism student who might be able to do a little
    writing for credit or anyone else who might be interested. The Galloway photos
    can be viewed at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dgeugene/7352349468/in/set-
    72157625623098107/lightbox/ and can be seen at:

    5901341858_0ec694f5d0_o

    lightbox/. He welcomes suggestions for pursuing this project and can be
    contacted through his website: http://dennisgalloway.com.

    Basic Videography Workshop

    Mark your calendars! Matt Simek will lead
    a basic videography workshop for Portland area NOHA members and friends
    on Saturday, June 1st, a mere three(3) months from now. We are currently
    planning a three to four hour span of time in which Matt will cover common
    errors and better alternatives; a show and tell of some inferior techniques and
    better methods; ways to shoot an interview and how to choose equipment and
    locations; what to do with the raw interview (how to process, transcribe, and edit
    into a cohesive story); a few items on how improving interview skills; varieties of
    equipment and their pros and cons. The workshop location is: 5520 N.E. Glisan
    – Portland, OR 97213 and will begin around 9:00 AM and end near 1:00 PM,
    depending on questions and attendee interests. The price is a mere $40 for non-
    members and $30 to current NOHA members. You can see by the description
    above that this workshop is worth a lot more. Registration numbers will be
    limited, and this valuable workshop will cancelled see indicators of sufficient
    interest by mid-May.

    Railroading in Yamhill County

    Matt Simek, an accomplished videographer
    and NOHA member, will speak on the history of railroading in Yamhill County on
    the last Tuesday of this month, March 26th, at 6:30 PM, in the Chehalem Cultural
    Center. This should be an interesting presentation, even for those new to railroad
    history, and will include a multi-media slide show with sound. Matt is a multi-
    talented NOHA member with great story telling skills.

    NOHA Surveys

    Last but not least, if you have not returned your NOHA survey
    yet, please do this. I have experienced moderate success, receiving a response
    from about 25% of the membership. However your input is important, if you have
    lost track of the survey in your email, I can send you another one. I have been
    told that it takes about half an hour to complete, based on input from several
    of our busiest members who were able to take the time to complete it. Please
    think of this as part of your contribution of volunteer time in this “all volunteer”
    organization.


  8. An interesting project from St. Lucia

    October 1, 2012 by TRogerWilliams

    We just found this interesting piece of work out of St. Lucia, documenting history, music, art, and culture on the island.  Check it out!

    http://www.stluciaoralhistory.org/


  9. Upcoming Portland-area Presentations

    September 20, 2012 by TRogerWilliams

    “Meet the Producer: Public Markets and Progressives in Portland and Seattle”

    Sept. 24:  Historian Richard Engeman will present “Meet the Producer: Public Markets and Progressives in Portland and Seattle” at 7 p.m. Sept. 24 at the McMenamins Kennedy School, 5736 NE 33rd Ave. Public markets blossomed in the early 20th century, and both Seattle and Portland embraced them. Yet the experience of the markets in the two cities were different, and Engeman explores those differences. The talk is co-sponsored by the Oregon Historical Society and Holy Names Heritage Center.

    “Oregon Democracy: Asahel Bush, Slavery, and the Statehood Debate” 

    Oct. 1:  Barbara Mahoney will present “Oregon Democracy: Asahel Bush, Slavery, and the Statehood Debate” during the Oregon Encyclopedia’s continuing History Night series at 7 p.m. Oct. 1 at McMenamins Mission Theater, 1624 NW Glisan St. As the editor of a Salem newspaper and a leader of the Democratic party, Bush shepherded the Oregon territory to statehood in the midst of the national controversy over slavery.  Bush’s influence and his adamant loyalty to the United States led several contemporaries to conclude that he played the key role in keeping Oregon in the Union.

    “The Archaeology of Folk Pottery in the Pacific Northwest”  

    Oct. 2:  Harvey Steel will present “The Archaeology of Folk Pottery in the Pacific Northwest” following a business meeting of the Oregon Archaeological Society at 7 p.m., Oct. 2 at Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, 1945 SE Water Ave.,. The lecture will concentrate on archaeological surveys that located and identified the earliest known stoneware and redware potters of Oregon and Washington.  More than two dozen pottery sites in these two states have been located and explored, including analyses of the exact composition of the clay beds used by each of the potters. For further information, visit www.oregonarchaeological.org or call .


  10. Creative Memoir-Writing Workshop

    September 13, 2012 by TRogerWilliams

    Creative Memoir—Writing Memories of Place Ages 18 & Up

    Come inhabit a place—a building, a street, a neighborhood—through writing.
We will embrace an open-genre approach, emphasizing poetry and nonfiction prose as well as multi-media possibilities so you find the approach that works best for your writing. Use research, explore archives, conduct interviews, and creatively gather information. This course will be team taught by a journalist and a poet/ essayist at the Multnomah Arts Center http://www.multnomahartscenter.org/.  All levels welcome.

    383605 Mon. 10:00 am – 12:30 pm Oct. 1 – Dec. 3 $190 [10 classes] Kaia Sand & Meg Eberle