Your Story is Important… and Has Historical Value!
Sometimes a potential oral history candidate hesitates when we approach them for an interview. “I didn’t do anything important,” they’ll say. Nothing could be further from the truth!
In fact, oral histories help provide a fuller, more accurate picture of our town’s documented history, and help us understand how individuals and communities experienced its forces. Public records and statistical data tell us what happened and when, but eyewitnesses to past events can provide more color – the how and the why.
For example, we know that New York State officials started taking land from Bethlehem landowners though eminent domain in the late 1940s/early 1950s to build the Thruway; but only through speaking with those forced to do so can we understand and appreciate the impact it had on families, businesses and the character of those neighborhoods.
Your personal story and accounts of major events can fill in the gaps in documented history, correcting or even contradicting the written record. It can teach us what has changed and what has stayed the same in spite of change, particularly in the area of values, traditions, and beliefs.
Oral history enables you to share your stories in your own words, with your own voice, through your own understanding of what happened and why.
Through the preservation of BOHP’s video and sound recordings, your voice will endure, speaking for you when you are gone and help future historians, researchers and residents avoid sweeping generalizations that stereotype people, engender prejudice, and overlook important variables in the historical context.
We hope you will consider sharing your story with us!
How BOHP Works
Interested BOHP narrator candidates are contacted by phone or email to schedule a “pre-interview” discussion date. This allows candidates to meet and learn the role of our interview team and the goals of the BOHP, and serves as a great “ice-breaker” for all parties.
Here’s what to expect during this initial discussion:
- The interview process and length of our meeting are explained, and candidate questions are fully answered.
- Initial background/family information is gained.
- Interview topics and off-limits subjects are discussed.
- Necessary accommodations are identified, including whether transportation to the Bethlehem Public Library is needed.
- Informed consent, deed of gift, right of refusal, copyright, usage & public access disclosures are provided.
- Caution against voicing slander and criminal activity is given.
- Interview date/time/location is discussed and confirmed.
- Availability and sharing of pictures, family documents, deeds or other ephemera are discussed.
Interviews occur at Bethlehem Public Library (BPL), in the MakerSpace studio on the immediate right of the building’s main entrance. The studio is very comfortable and is equipped with state-of-the-art audio and video equipment to make sure that your interview goes smoothly.
If special accommodations are needed due to disability or other issues, arrangements can be made for “on location” interviews, but we strongly encourage use of the MakerSpace studio for the best quality experience to preserve your oral history.
Interviews are scheduled in 2-hour blocks, but duration of interviews varies depending upon your needs. Most interviews last about an hour, but can go longer depending upon how much you have to say.
Our BOHP team is invested in making each interview experience fun and engaging. Please let us know how you prefer to be contacted (phone, email) and we will reach out to schedule your visit. We look forward to meeting you!