Are you curious about the past and love talking to people? Do you have a keen eye for detail and a persistent yet welcoming demeanor? Then oral history may just be right for you! Today we're talking with Erica Fugger, oral historian and PhD candidate at Rutgers, about the art and craft of oral history.

We'll be discussing the development of oral history as a practice since the mid 20th century, detailing how to plan an oral history project, and offering tips for recording that first interview. Along the way you'll hear about the fascinating projects Erica has been involved in, from Queer Newark to the National Homefront Project. Now pursuing research into peace activists in the 1960s, Erica has her own ties to Long Island and is the perfect guide if you're thinking about getting involved in oral history yourself.

Further Research

Erica Fugger
Queer Newark Oral History Project
National Home Front Project
Columbia Center for Oral History Research
“Before Columbia: The FWP and American Oral History Research.” (JSTOR)
Intro Music: https://homegrownstringband.com/
Outro music: Capering by Blue Dot Sessions CC BY-NC 4.0

Episode 207: Oral History with Erica Fugger