Through information provided by public records, statistical data, photographs, maps, letters, diaries and other materials, historians can tell us the whos, whats, whens, wheres and whys of an event. What is often missing from these histories is the answer to another question: What was it like?
Until the 20th Century, answering that question was sporadic, relying mostly on diaries and letters.
The emergence of audio and visual recording added a new dimension that made it possible to answer that question through oral histories of the people who lived that experience, often from ordinary people who historians would likely never think to consult.
Oral histories offer eyewitness accounts that enrich our understanding of the past, complementing public records and filling historical gaps. They provide diverse perspectives, correct written records, and allow untold stories to be heard, revealing how individuals experienced historical events.
There is something powerful about hearing accounts of a historical event from someone who lived it. The more the better, in fact, since individuals relate to that event in their own way. We can relate to oral histories because we relate to the people who share them.
Oral history preserves for future generations a sound portrait of who we are in the present and what we remember about the past. Inevitably, future generations will view—and judge—today’s generation through the lens of their own experiences in their own time. The story of the past is continually revised in the light of new interpretations.
All of us are historical figures in that sense. In years to come, when someone wants to know what the COVID pandemic was like, those who lived it may not be able to rattle off all of the facts of the pandemic, but they can certainly share what it was like for them.
Most of us are never sought out to answer the “what was it likes” of our shared history, so Friday presents a rare and exciting opportunity, thanks to the efforts of Nancy Carpenter, executive director for the Columbus Cultural Heritage Foundation and development director for America250 Mississippi.
As part of the 250th anniversary of the United States, America250, a nonprofit organization, is helping collect oral histories for its “Our American Story” project. To achieve that, an Airstream trailer with audio/video equipment, a studio and trained interviewers is criss-crossing the country. One of those stops will be in Columbus. On Friday, the trailer will be parked on the lawn of the Tennessee Williams Home and Welcome Center on Main Street.
From 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., people can tell their stories about what being an American means to them at kiosks set up outside the trailer. Some will be brought into the studio for interviews.
The interviews will be preserved at the Library of Congress, which means years from now your descendants can access the archive and learn about your experience.
We urge you to make sure your part of our nation’s history is preserved through this rare opportunity.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
