About Us
Our Purpose
To promote the development and growth of oral history by conducting research and learning both domestically and
internationally.
To document the lived socio-economic, and political experiences of individuals who in the past or currently have interesting and enlightening stories to tell about challenging cultural and societal issues that are or have shaped their paths in life.
Our Philosophy
"Let the Peoples Voice be Heard"
Our Goal
The OHRLCI goal is to conduct bottom-up interview to learn about individual lived experience and lasting life consequences resulting from significant socio-economic, cultural and political events.
Central to this goal is reaching back in time as far as possible to record and preserve critical individual life changing events before they are lost forever.
Forum Perspective & Activities
The OHRLCI will serve as a research library resource for completed and on-going oral history projects. Professionals and students alike can reach out to subject matter experts for advice and guidance pertaining to proposed oral history projects. Conferences, workshops and classes will be held to build, reenforce and encourage the collaboration of oral historians worldwide.
In addition, the OHRLCI will endeavor to share cutting-edge approached and technical advances in the oral history discipline. Lastly, the OHRLCI will endeavor to directly or indirectly providing funding for promising research projects and learning events from membership fees, event registrations and support grants.
Not for Profit Organization
The OHRLCI pledges to reinvest most of its funding support received from various sources into the oral history community. The OHRLCI will endeavor to financially support individuals, groups, and academic institutions engaged in oral history research and writing projects
commitment to Expanding Oral History Beyond Borders
Global Engagements
Because “International” is central to our organizational identity, OHRLCI actively encourages oral history research conducted both within the United States and abroad, and in English as well as other languages. Expanding interviews across national boundaries strengthens the documentation of lived social, economic, and political experiences in diverse global contexts.
International interviewing also enhances comparative understanding by allowing researchers and the public to examine both shared patterns and distinct differences in how individuals experience historical events. By supporting and promoting cross-border oral history projects, OHRLCI advances its mission to preserve personal narratives while deepening insight into how history is lived and understood in different societies.
Find An Oral History Center
Oral history research centers can be found worldwide. Discover a center near you and join a community dedicated to preserving lived experience.
Share your story
Opportunities to Contribute Video Oral Histories
Oral historians are welcome to contact Dr. Vacante if they wish to feature their video interviews on our website.
OHRLCI also invites individuals who are interested in having their lived experiences documented on video to contact Dr. Vacante to submit an oral history video request.