Recorded interviews are not just a way to document and preserve stories and memories for future generations. They are also a powerful cultural tool that honors elders (and other storytellers), builds intergenerational relationships, and puts historical narrative in the hands of the people who experience it. This two-hour workshop provides an introduction to the purpose and principles of oral history, an overview of the interview process, and hands-on practice with key interviewing techniques. Participants are invited to conduct interviews for the NAN archives, with ongoing support provided. Spots are limited, please only register if you are sure you can attend!

This workshop will be led by Mikala Woodward. Mikala is a Senior Exhibit Developer and Oral History Manager at the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience, where first-person stories drawn from oral history interviews are a core element of the community-based exhibit process. She holds a BA in History from Swarthmore College and an MA in Museology from the University of Washington. Mikala conducted her first oral history interview in 1991, and has been amazed and inspired by the process ever since.