Oral History
Melissa Newton, CTM

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My fondest memories are enjoying a hearty Sunday breakfast with the family and listening to my father tell stories of his childhood during the 1930s-1940s.  I am forever grateful that I recorded my father’s reflections. Now that he is gone, these recordings are more precious than gold!

It is my passion for the human experience that twines in and around the facts and events of history that directed me to Oral History. After all, it is through Oral History, the stories of the individual, that we breathe life and emotion into the timeline.  Thanks to technology, it’s easier than ever to capture the moments that time too quickly erases.

Below I share a glimpse into Oral History and my work in the field. I hope that you will soon reach out to document your family’s stories, experiences, and background to preserve the past for the future!

Books

Charles Newton May 5 1935 Age 10.jpg (32303 bytes)"Why do Chickens Have Feathers"
Melissa's discusses her first oral history book.  "Chickens" is a collection of stories based on her father's reflections growing up in Crainville, Illinois during the Great Depression.


Bernice & Friends Omaha Nebraska 1920s.jpg (101145 bytes)"Conversations: The 1920s Generation"
Melissa talks about her current project.  While the 21st century chats about the "Baby Boomer" generation, Melissa is focusing her interviews on men and women of the "1920s generation".    


Oral History Video Service

Montgomery Creek Publishing has partnered with Apex Media Solutions, a full-service media production firm, to provide an Oral History Video Service. The service provides a seamless life story interview experience from the initial consultation to final production to preserve a loved one’s past for the future.  

Presentations

Check out Presentations for details about Melissa's workshops and other speaking venues.

Articles

Melissa's Oral History Projects
Melissa discusses her various Oral History Projects.

What is Oral History?
Oral History is essentially the verbal telling of an experience. A definition of Oral History Storytelling is provided.

References for Oral History
Provides some helpful references regarding Oral History.  Also, gives website links to the Oral History Association, Studs Terkel, and Tom Brokaw.

 


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