The Oral History Association is sponsoring a handful of in person meetups around the United States. The offer went out in the June News Blast, and you can find the information about each event on this page.
How it works:
1. Identify two co-chairs and send us an email to tell us what you have in mind; oha@oralhistory.org. We can fund up to 6 events, first-come, first-served.
2. Make a plan and spread the word. OHA can share your event with members who are in your area, and of course you should spread the word in your networks. Make sure to share OHA’s Code of Conduct.
3. We’ll send you a package of OHA swag for your guests.
4. Have fun, eat, drink.
5. Send us your receipt for reimbursement (up to $250 in expenses), along with some pictures we can share on our social media.
Kentucky
First Event: August 12, 12-3pm, W.T. Young Library, 401 Hilltop Avenue in Lexington, KY
Second Event: September 17, 1-4pm, 50 Lair Street, in Mt. Vernon, KY. NOTE CHANGE IN DATE AND TIME.
With funding support from the Oral History Association (OHA), the University of Kentucky (UK) Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History and Appalachia-Science in the Public Interest (ASPI) are collaborating to host two summer meetups for oral historians in Kentucky and Central Appalachia to socialize and discuss important topics such as funding, archiving, the impact of COVID-19, new technologies, and projects. These events will initiate a regional networking effort for oral historians to explore additional opportunities for mutual support and collaboration.
UK will host the first event from noon-3:00 p.m. on Friday, August 12, 2022 at W.T. Young Library, 401 Hilltop Avenue in Lexington, KY. ASPI will host the second event from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 3, 2022 at their main office, 50 Lair Street, in Mt. Vernon, KY. Both meetups will include light refreshments and are free and open to the public. People with all levels of interest in and experience with oral history are welcome to attend either or both events, and OHA membership is not required. Both locations include wi-fi and projection capabilities for sharing relevant audio/video, or other web-based materials. Online RSVPs requested at bit.ly/KY-OHA-22.
UK Nunn Center oral history archivists Kopana Terry and Jennifer Bartlett are co-chairing “Oral Historians in the Bluegrass Region” in Lexington. The Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History at UK Libraries’ Special Collections Research Center is recognized around the world as a leader and innovator in the collection and preservation of oral histories. The Center is home to over 17,000 oral history interviews that provide a unique look into Kentucky and American history and represent an irreplaceable resource for researchers today and generations from now. The Nunn Center’s collections focus on 20th-century Kentucky history, Appalachia, Kentucky writers, agriculture, Black history, the history of education, politics and public policy, the civil rights movement, veterans, the university, health care, as well as the coal, equine, and Kentucky bourbon industries.
ASPI board members Timi Reedy and Tammy Clemons are co-chairing “Oral Historians in Kentucky/Central Appalachia” in Mt. Vernon. ASPI is a non-profit resource center advocating for sustainable development, responsible resource management, and informed personal choices. ASPI’s focus areas are: Energy, Food Systems, Culture, and Ecosystems. The Small-Town Demonstration Center at ASPI’s main office features the first net-metering solar electric system in the state as well as organic garden beds, greenhouses, and perennials. It also includes a sustainable/simple living resource library, open meeting space, and a full kitchen. ASPI has coordinated and archived multiple oral history projects since the 1990s and recently completed a small interview project on “Creative Aging and Lifelong Learning” funded by an Arts Access Assistance Grant from the Kentucky Arts Council (KAC)/NEA.
For more information, email jen.bartlett@uky.edu, kopana.terry@uky.edu, or aspi@a-spi.org.
Southern California
You are cordially invited to our
OHA REGIONAL MEETUP
An Afternoon Get Together for SoCal-based Oral Historians
Location:
Sunset Marquis Hotel
Cavatina (outdoor restaurant & bar)
1200 Alta Loma Road
West Hollywood
Los Angeles
Date & Time:
Saturday, September 17, 2022
3-5 PM
More info:
The Sunset Marquis Hotel is known for its Los Angeles music history, but the al fresco restaurant in the back is also just a beautiful place to be. Join us from 3-5 PM for some finger food between meals and to meet area oral historians before the OHA Conference in L.A. this October.
Notes: Parking is tricky on Alta Loma, but the Sunset Marquis offers valet service, which is $10 for 3 hours with validation from Cavatina. Also please note that food is on us. Cavatina offers a full drinks menu all day: https://sunsetmarquis.com/cavatina-restaurant/cocktail-bars-hollywood/
Please RSVP by Friday, September 9.
Questions & to RSVP:
Holly Werner-Thomas holly@hollythomasoralhistory.comD
Daisy Herrera dherr004@ucr.edu
Sandra Aguilar sandrajoylee@gmail.com
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore Oral History Meetup
Friday, September 16, 2022; 4:30-6:30pm
Maryland Center for History and Culture’s Monument Street Courtyard
About: Are you doing oral history in the Baltimore region or
interested in oral history?
Sponsored by the Oral History Association (OHA), this meetup is a
social gathering aimed at bringing together local oral history
practitioners, archivists, and community members looking to connect
around oral history. Join co-chairs from the Maryland Center for
History and Culture (MCHC), the University of Baltimore, and the local
oral history collaborative Baltimore Speaks for light refreshments,
snacks, and conversation in MCHC’s Monument Street Courtyard. During
the gathering, attendees are invited to check out MCHC’s newest
exhibition, Passion & Purpose: Voices of Maryland Civil Rights
Activists, in which oral history plays a central role. There will also
be a chance to learn more about the national Oral History Association.
OHA’s Annual Meeting comes to Baltimore in 2023, which will be a
fantastic opportunity to highlight oral history projects and
collections in and around the city.
Registration is requested. Register here:
https://www.mdhistory.org/calendar/baltimore-oral-history-meet-up/