A study of the ethnic composition of Toledo, Ohio, was conducted which consisted of four elements: (1) a statement of the importance of studying the ethnic composition of a community; (2) a summary of the sources of literature that is germane to such a study; (3) a summary of the problems encountered in the data collection process; and (4) an…

This index provides access to the combined collections of some 400 oral history centers which house recordings or transcripts of interviews of more than 2,700 persons. The index is arranged in two parts: a name and subject index, and a list of American and foreign oral history centers. Information that applies to all the interviews in a collection…

Constructed to introduce the newcomer to the variety and complexity of the problems of oral history, this selective, annotated bibliography includes: (1) basic articles or texts in related fields important in oral history field work, (2) works with extensive bibliographies, (3) works not covered in earlier and available bibliographies (except…

A local focus for Bicentennial activities is emphasized. (DE)

A brief history of gold coins minted in California during the gold rush period is provided. (DE)

The origins of public support for libraries in Massachusetts during the early to mid 1800's is discussed. Records indicate that the origins of the public library movement stem from a public feeling of need rather than elitism, philanthropy, or preservation of the status quo. (JPF)

Advocates the use of primary sources to increase student interest and learning. Includes suggestions for using local resources in such a program and provides a sample lesson plan. Discusses the importance of student work with unedited materials as opposed to secondary sources. (GEA)

Traces the development of the cotton industry on the North American mainland with emphasis on how it grew to prominence and then waned in importance in Scriven County, Georgia. (JDH)

Provides ideas for using community studies to acquaint students with American history and to help them develop an appreciation of the uniqueness of their own community and the importance of the role that a locality can play within the nation. Lists seven student learning activities and presents suggestions for researching local history. (KH)

To better understand the economic aspects of early Florida and to gain an understanding of the continuity of history and economics, students analyze the economic origins and evolution of St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest city in the United States. This lesson plan involves taking the students on a field trip to St. Augustine where they form teams…

This theme issue of "The Goldfinch" focuses on music as an art using sound in time to express ideas and emotions and contains articles featuring appreciations of some of Iowa's renowned musical artists. The first article gives an overview of music in Iowa's history. The next article describes Antonin Dvorak's summer sojourn in Spillville…

Describes the use of a study of cemetery headstones to give students a feeling for their community's social history. Looks at the kinds of information that can be gathered from the markers about the dead people and ways of analyzing the data. Presents an outline of project procedures. (AYC)

Describes how the testing of hypotheses about retail distribution can form the basis of local field work. A case study is presented involving the characteristics of a declining shopping area in Deptford, England. Tables, charts, and maps are included. (Author/DB)

Argues that it is time for public libraries to become involved with oral history, through their own programs or by serving as repositories for other agencies' tape collections; considers pro and con issues; and briefly discusses such program factors as program scope, equipment, interviewing techniques, and technical processes. (JD)

Describes the historical development of the spatial order of human settlement in Geary County, Kansas. Geary County's sense of place derives from the integration of physical and human environments--patterns of association between daily human activities and natural environment that have produced a particular cultural landscape. (SV)