Argues that stories or oral narratives can provide a rich interpretive potential for historians. Describes research into the stories of early settlers in the American west. Concludes that the way stories are told provides insight into the character of the historical period. (CFR)

Discusses the use of primary texts to introduce students to the period of reconstruction after the Civil War. Shows how texts can be used not only to illustrate the feelings and beliefs of the time, but also to engage students in debates over the correct uses of primary sources. (DSK)

Presents an exercise in which three accounts of an episode that supposedly occurred between John Muir and Gifford Pinchot in the lobby of Seattle's Rainier Grand Hotel are read aloud during class. Provides the three accounts, excerpts from primary documentation including diary entries and newspaper articles, and discussion questions. (CMK)

Relates the use of a period "Life" magazine article to teach students about the internment of Japanese-American citizens during World War II. Recounts how the article about local prejudice prompted students to critically examine the policy of internment. Provides excerpts from the article and subsequent letters to the editors. (DSK)

Discusses a research seminar for senior history majors that uses three documents: a written text, a photograph, and a material object. Focuses on how the object, a 19th-century curling iron, is used to elucidate discussion not only of the object, but hypotheses about individuals and society, and about historical research. (DSK)

Recognizes the importance of using oral history in the study of the U.S. civil rights movement in particular and social movements in general. Explains that oral narratives can yield evidence that is rarely available in contemporary written records. Can also document the emergence of racial, class, and ideological divisions within the civil rights…

Describes oral history interviewing techniques that the author used to research his biography of Joseph McCarthy before the American Historical Association (AHA) issued its seven guidelines on interview use. These guidelines focus on taping sessions, signed releases, written transcripts, respecting human dignity, and placing materials in archive…

Maintains that it is widely accepted among both public and academic historians that history museums have become more pluralistic institutions in the last two decades. Reports on a two-year ethnographic study on the training and work of museum interpreters at Colonial Williamsburg. (CFR)

Describes oral history interviews conducted with artists and writers involved in New Deal arts projects. Describes the collections, analyzing biases and selection factors. Examines participants' attitudes toward government sponsorship of the arts, finding general approval of government patronage. Suggests that these oral histories help document…

Examines how oral history may help close the gap between professional and public history, thus broadening the framework of historical discourse. Considers public history projects--films, videos, museum, and historic site exhibits--and the work on conceptions of history by David Carr and Henry Glassie. Favors interpretive approaches that reflect…

Outlines major oral history collections related to media studies and considers how the use of those collections has encouraged traditional conceptions of the social function of the press. Suggests how oral histories can be used to address issues of power and domination in the development of media institutions. (MJP)