Oral History Education

The Great Depression impacted American lives for over a decade – an impact that for many became a permanent part of their personal values, customs, and expectations. While the Great Depression looms as a monolithic benchmark on our history’s timeline, the resulting generalization can take away from the significance of individual experiences. These are the stories that oral historians seek to document so that we can develop a deeper, more satisfying understanding of history.

The relevance of this historic time has become strikingly apparent as we face the challenges of overcoming today’s Great Recession, and make personal decisions during a time of tremendous difficulty.  I am grateful for my grandmother’s willingness to share her personal history with me, which has given me a new perspective on the Great Depression. During an oral history interview with her, I wondered whether my personal choices will lead to a better life down the road. She reminded me of the simple things that sustain and inspire us, and the importance of not giving up hope.

As I listened to my grandmother describe her father’s nightly guitar playing and folk singing, and the happiness this brought to the family, I saw the link to my own passion for music and song for the first time.  And, as we explored the importance of her mother’s cooking and the food that came from the family garden, I was inspired to make a family favorite — bread pudding, from my great-grandmother’s recipe box.  Now a favorite recipe of mine, I have to say, it’s the brown sugar that makes it simply delicious.  What stories are waiting to be discovered in your family recipe box?