Oral History Initiative

Oral History Initiative
It is memory that brings photographs, newspaper headlines and neighborhood streets to life. It is memories that give them enduring significance. Memorable stories inform us of who we are today, recalling the vitality of our past, while we build the future.

Since September 2006, Roanoke Public Libraries has interviewed more than 150 individuals for the Oral History Initiative. This initiative encompasses two projects: the Neighborhoods History Project and the Veterans History Project. The Neighborhoods History Project collects stories of long-time city residents from the various neighborhoods in the City of Roanoke. The Veterans History Project, administered through the Library of Congress, collects stories of wartime veterans, WW II – present, and helpers on the home front. The goal of the Oral History Initiative is to collect and preserve these valuable memories that give an unique look at the history of the people and places in Southwestern Virginia.

Grant funding from the city’s 125th Anniversary Committee and Roanoke Public Library Foundation was used to purchase digital sound equipment and scanners to help collect and maintain these digital collections. Additional funding will be used to create an online educational database that will increase access to these valuable resources. We are committed to connecting people with the information they seek.

To participate in the project or to voluneteer, please contact Alicia Sell at (540) 853-5868.

Search the Collections
Veterans Interviews
Neighborhood Interviews

About the Veterans History Project
The mission of the Veterans History Project is to collect and preserve the personal recollections of wartime veterans (WW II - present), helpers on the homefront and registered contientious objectors. The project, created by Congress, is building a lasting legacy of memoirs, recorded interviews, and other documents chronicling the veterans’ and other citizens’ wartime experiences, and how those experiences affected their lives and American itself.

What happens to my interview?
Your story and the items you donate to the Veterans History Project will be maintained in the permanent collection of the Virginia Room at Roanoke Public Libraries in Roanoke, VA and the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. Original documents and photographs will be archived at the Library of Congress. Copies will be available at Roanoke Public Libraries.

Veterans Web Pages
A web page is created by the Library of Congress for each veteran who is interviewed for the Veterans History Project. This page includes service history and limited biographical information. Go to www.loc.gov/vets and click on Search the Veterans Database.

The Virginia Room is proud to partner with the Library of Congress for the Veterans History Project. Find out more online at www.loc.gov/vets

About the Neighborhoods History Project
Roanoke is divided into numerous unique, lively and changing communities. The mission of the Neighborhoods History Project is to honor the stories of residents from the various neighborhoods in the City of Roanoke and share them with future generations.

Interview questions include but are not limited to:

Biographical information
Family and home life
Businesses, shopping and entertainment
Education in Roanoke and beyond
Employement

What happens to my interview?
Interviews and related documents are part of the permanent collection of the Virginia Room at Roanoke Public Libraries and will be available for public research. Plans for an educational website to access these valuable stories are currently underway.

All current and former residents of the city of Roanoke are invited to participate. The story of your life experiences play an important role in educating future generations about life in our city.

Volunteering
Interview a veteran, neighbor, school teacher or family member. Check out an interview kit with your library card. With one training session you will be ready to conduct an interview. 60 minutes of your time will make it possible for stories and images of veterans’ and citizens’ memories to be preserved forever.

The Virginia Room is proud to partner with Roanoke City Schools to collect stories for the Oral History Initiative. Please contact the Virginia Room at 540-853-2073 to find out how your classroom can volunteer for the Oral History Initiative.