Presented by
Emma Kowalenko
Chicago Oral History Roundtable

Oral history workshop prepares participants on how to capture history preserved in our midst through recollections and stories.  This is the first stepping stone to our first Roundtable project: collecting oral histories of early television cooking show pioneers.  Participation in this project is not assumed or required though we believe oral history skills can be used in many disciplines including family histories.

Emma Kowalenko of the Chicago Oral History Roundtable is an experienced professional in the field of information technology.  The oral history workshop will offer guidelines to conducting a good interview, which begins with good preparation:

The more you know, the more you will find out.  Learn everything possible about the narrator and the material to be covered before the interview.

The interview is not a friendly social visit.  Take it seriously. Plan in advance by having questions written down on a note pad. Plan on writing more questions during the interview.

Make sure your tape recorder (and/or video-camera) is in good condition before the interview. Check batteries, converter and adapter.

Listen, listen, listen. The narrator is giving information––it may be his/her life story. Don’t compare personal experiences. Ask the question, then relax and listen. Maintain an attitude of neutrality during the interview.

Emma Kowalenko remarked, “No matter how it is blended with another discipline or disciplines, Oral History enables people to speak for themselves.”    Please do come and learn oral history for yourself.

Program was hosted at Roosevelt University.