History

The Bethlehem Oral History Project (BOHP) was launched in December 2023 as a collaborative effort between the Town of Bethlehem’s Office of the Historian, Bethlehem Historical Association, and Bethlehem Public Library. The Town’s Department of Senior Services also provides referrals and in-kind resources to assist in this first-time effort.

Our collective goal is to let our narrators speak to you directly about Bethlehem’s history; to capture, collect and preserve stories and memories from earlier periods in our rich history, as told by those who have lived, worked, served and raised families in Bethlehem.  These recollections are curated, archived and made publicly available here for future generations to help preserve our town’s living history, and the memories of those who experienced it.

Narrator interviews for BOHP generally take place at the Bethlehem Public Library’s MakerSpace studio in Delmar.  This studio is outfitted with the technology necessary to best capture a person’s memories, recollections and stories in a comfortable and accessible location. However, we are able to conduct on-location interviews for narrators with accessibility issues or in need of special accommodations.

Oral History is the most ancient type of historical inquiry and existed before the written word. Its contemporary form is used by historians, anthropologists, ethnographers, and sociologists in their research, who now incorporate digital technologies of the 21st century as well.  It is our great pleasure to join this perennial tradition through BOHP and share these interviews with you.

If you or someone you know is interested in (or even curious about) being interviewed for the BOHP narrator series, please get in touch!  We’re excited to speak with you.