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| By Lori Szepelak Correspondent HOLYOKE Love history? Oral historians are being sought for a new oral history initiative in the city titled "Holyoke's History Book," thanks to a generous donation to the Wistariahurst Museum on Cabot Street from the Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities. The initiative for oral historians will include a training session with local scholars on how to conduct oral history interviews, according to Kate Thibodeau, project director. "Wistariahurst believes that oral history redirects our attention to the overlooked people in history," Thibodeau said. "It can tell us not only about historical events, but the meaning those events had in people's lives." Thibodeau noted that for years, Wistariahurst has focused on the people associated with the Skinner family, their servants and others who came in contact with the elite family. "Wistariahurst's mission has broadened to encompass multiple layers of the city's historical past," she added. Thibodeau said that local citizens are still being sought as oral historians for the project. Participants will be chosen on experience, willingness to learn and time schedules. Interested individuals should have good written and oral communication skills, be willing to work with digital audio equipment, be comfortable working with different ages and ethnicities, and especially, be interested in local history. "These participants, after being trained, will eventually become our oral historians who will go out into the field and interview residents of Holyoke," she said. Once in the field, Thibodeau expects the oral historians to meet monthly to discuss and review relevant texts and learn from each other's field experience. "When the oral historians have collected three interviews each, they will then become the tools for local educators who are interested in bringing oral history techniques into their classrooms," she added. Thibodeau said she would like to have 15 oral historians trained and out in the community conducting oral histories, however, the grant only funds about six. "Area residents should consider taking part in the program not only to learn good listening skills and learn about the history that surrounds them, but to make a personal connection to those who have stories to share," she said. With such a large undertaking, Thibodeau will also receive assistance on the project from a graduate student from the University of Massachusetts Amherst Public History Program. "Oral histories are becoming more important as those who have lived through history are disappearing," she added. Applications are due to Wistariahurst by Oct. 24 by 5 p.m. For an application, contact Thibodeau via e-mail at kate@wistariahurst.org or visit www.wistariahurst.org/education. Wistariahurst Museum is dedicated to preserving the city's history and inspiring an appreciation of history and culture through educational programs, exhibits and special events. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Wistariahurst is the former home of William Skinner, a prominent silk manufacturer. The museum is open for guided tours every Saturday, Sunday and Monday from noon to 4 p.m. For more information on other Wistariahurst events, call 322-5660 or visit www.wistariahurst.org. |