How to Archive an Oral History Interview

There are several ways to archive an oral history interview, depending on how the interview will be used in the future. If you've collected an oral history from a family member, you may just want to archive the interview locally, such as in a family album. However, if you want greater access to your interview, there are ways to make it more widely available to current generations and beyond.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Air-safe, temperature-controlled container
• Acid-free paper

Archiving the Original Interview

1. Decide the best method for storing the original copy of the oral history interview based on the method used to record it. If you used a video or audio cassette recorder, have the format transferred to DVD or CD for long-term storage. Cassettes have a short shelf life, as the materials they're made from deteriorate quickly compared to DVDs and CDs.

2. Store cassette tapes in an environment where temperatures stay around 65 degrees Fahrenheit and 40% humidity. DVDs and CDs should also be stored in similar environments for longevity.

3. Transfer material stored on DVD or CD to a computer, so they exist in more than one medium. It is always good to have a backup copy of the oral history interview, in case one becomes damaged, or the device with which to view or listen to the interview becomes obsolete.

4. Upload the interview to a computer via a USB port. This option is available with more advanced models of digital voice and video recorders.

Archiving the Transcribed Interview

5. Keep a copy of the transcribed interview in more than one place, and in more than one format, in case damage occurs to one of the copies. Store one transcription on your computer and keep one or more print copies in a secure, air-tight location, such as a safe.

6. Upload the transcribed interview to a genealogy website. Many genealogy websites welcome family histories, such as Cyndi's List, Ancestry, and Rootsweb.

7. Create your own oral history website and keep your transcribed interview on it. Ask other genealogy websites to add your link to their webpages.

8. Contact your local library or historical society to ask about their genealogy collection policy. You may be able to store your transcribed oral history interview at these organizations if it's of local historic significance or otherwise meets their collection requirements.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your original video or audio cassettes to a reputable business for transferring to DVD or CD. Ask friends for recommendations, or check sources such as Angie's List to find quality establishments in your area.
• Print your transcribed interview on acid-free paper, which has a neutral PH, meaning that the documents will not deteriorate as quickly as acid-based paper. Acid-free paper can be found at most office supply stores, scrap-booking stores, or on archival supply websites.