Utah Oral History Program

The Utah Oral History Program seeks to encourage, support, and foster the collection and use of oral histories.

Night owls at Liberty Park, Salt Lake City, c. 1950s

We:

Undertake specific oral history projects in partnership with individuals, organizations, governmental agencies, schools, colleges, and universities.
Provide workshops and technical assistance in oral history (see below)
Provide grants to organizations for Utah-related oral history research and transcription projects. State History has joined with the Utah Humanities Council to offer these grants.

For more information on the Utah Oral History Program or workshops, contact Kent Powell at 801/533.3520.

Getting Started on Oral History - see our online tips

Introduction to Oral History
This workshop discusses the nature and uses of oral history, then explores the process of doing oral history interviews: how to identify and contact potential interviewees, what kinds of equipment to use, how to set up and conduct the interview, what kinds of questions to ask, transcribing and editing interviews, preserving and storing tapes and transcripts, setting up oral history projects, and other aspects of oral history.
Oral History Issues and Techniques
This worshop examines issues and problems that oral history practitioners have encountered or are likely to encounter in their work. Participants will also discuss ways that oral histories can be used; they may also review and discuss oral history interviews that participants have conducted.

For more information or to schedule a workshop, contact Kent Powell at 801/533-3520.