The Oral History Association, the national professional organization based at Georgia State University, has been selected as the latest member of the prestigious American Council for Learned Societies. The selection was made on May 9, 2014, at the ACLS annual meeting.
Founded in 1919, the 72-member ACLS is the preeminent representative of American scholarship in the humanities and related social sciences. The ACLS advances scholarship through an extensive fellowship program and by strengthening relationships among its member societies. It also sponsors conferences and other forms of scholarly communication, and promotes innovation in humanities scholarship.
“We are delighted to be selected to the ACLS,” stated OHA Executive Director Cliff Kuhn. “The selection represents a validation of oral history as a method and practice, and an opportunity to interact with our colleagues in a variety of fields and disciplines. ACLS membership clearly strengthens the OHA and advances its mission.
“Many scholars are interested in oral history,” Kuhn continued, “yet have little training themselves in oral history methods, ethics and interpretive issues. The OHA can help elevate oral history practice for these individuals and their associations. The OHA can also foster appreciation of public humanities work in diverse formats and media.”
