Florida Geographic Alliance

A good oral history
should try to include:

Many voices – not just the dominant perspective that traditionally controls the narrative in records. Think about what different sides of the story there may be.

A unique perspective – understand not just what happened, but how the teller understood what happened and what they think about it.

Structured questions that are well thought-out.

Necessary background research. Being familiar with the general history and topic of your interview will lead to more organic, thoughtful questions.

A View From...

In 2020 the Florida Geographic Alliance partnered with celebrated Tallahassee historian and author Ann Roberts to create the series, "A View From...". This project follows local families who have donated their stories to broaden our knowledge of history.

Anyone can participate in A View From - all you have to do is pick a place! A View From the Classroom, the Treetops, or even A View From the Laptop Screen; what are the places in your local area where people gather, and what stories do they have to share?

This first installment, A View From the Barber's Chair, follows the story of the traditionally African American historical district Frenchtown. Check out A View From the Barber's Chair in the Story Map below:

The Great Thanksgiving Listen

StoryCorps

The Great Thanksgiving Listen is a national movement from StoryCorps that empowers young people to create an oral history of the contemporary United States by recording an interview with an elder, mentor, friend, or someone they admire.

ArcGIS StoryMaps

ESRI ArcGIS

These interactive online maps can give your students' narrative a stronger sense of place, illustrate spatial relationships, and add visual appeal and credibility to their ideas. Use this simple map maker to create custom maps and enhance your digital storytelling.

The Florida Memory Project

State Library and Archives of Florida

The Florida Memory Program digitizes materials from the State Library and Archives of Florida that illuminate significant events in the state's history, and help educate about Florida history and culture.

Geohistorical Inquiry Model

ESRI Education Program

This paper offers a perspective on linkages between historical and geographic research, inquiry methods, the importance of local investigations, and a technique for geohistorical studies.

Infographic: The Elements of Storytelling

National Geographic Society

Telling a powerful story isn't as simple as you might think—this infographic outlines the basic storytelling process and the work it takes to arrive at a story worth telling.

11 Meaningful Writing Assignments

Shveta Miller

These writing assignments aim to help students build connections within their community and get them talking about what’s happening in the world with trusted adults and peers.

Oral History

Oral History Basics

Careful attention to copyright and other legal and ethical issues.

Provisions for making interviews available at an accessible repository.

A controlled interview setting with high quality sound or video equipment.

A detailed collection of first-hand information.

A structured, well researched interview format.

Adherence to careful processing techniques.

A good oral history
should try to include:

Interviews

A View From...