Preserving Michigan Voices: An Oral History Workshop presented by MOHA and LM

Interested in documenting and preserving community stories? This workshop will provide participants with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to plan and conduct a successful oral history project. Whether you are representing a library, historical society, museum, archive, community organization, or simply have an interest in collecting personal narratives, this workshop will guide you through the entire oral history process.

Participants will explore the foundational steps of developing an oral history project, including defining goals, identifying interviewees, and creating a project plan. The workshop will introduce affordable and effective recording equipment and discuss best practices for capturing high-quality audio and video interviews. Attendees will review essential forms and documentation, including consent and release forms, and learn how to develop thoughtful interview questions that encourage meaningful storytelling.

The session will also address legal and ethical considerations related to oral history projects, including copyright, privacy, permissions, and the responsibilities of interviewers and organizations. Finally, participants will learn what happens after the interview, including file management, preservation, transcription, metadata creation, access considerations, and sharing oral histories with the public.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Develop a plan for launching and managing an oral history project.
• Select appropriate equipment and documentation practices for conducting oral history interviews.
• Apply legal, ethical, and preservation best practices to ensure long-term access to oral history collections.

Instructors: 

• Brittany Bayless-Fremion, Central Michigan University
• Jim Cameron, President, Michigan Oral History Association
• Matt Jones, Eastern Michigan University
• Billy Wall-Winkel, Detroit Historical Museum

Cost: $35.00 

Registrants can pay by mailed check or by credit card. You will be emailed an invoice with instructions to do so after registration. Payment is due by July 9, 2026. 

All participants in workshops receive a one-year individual membership to MOHA, which includes MOHA's Guide to Oral History Booklet and quarterly newsletters.

Lunch is included with workshop registration and will be provided on-site. Please share any dietary restrictions or food allergies when registering so accommodations can be arranged.

This project is made possible by grant funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) administered by the State of Michigan through the Library of Michigan.