This past Thursday, Meagan Doyle, Digital Archivist of Special Collections & Archives at Bowdoin Library, joined Maine Calling on Maine Public Radio to discuss oral histories. Firsthand accounts grant historians and archivists a deeper and more nuanced understanding of historical events and their effect on the people who lived through them. She and other panelists discussed some of the challenges in collecting and preserving them, as well as how oral history changes with new technology.
Meagan noted the democratization of oral histories afforded by the widespread availability of smart phones. Whereas decades ago doing an oral history project meant investing in expensive and specialized equipment, “now we all have audio recording devices in our pockets all the time.” This allows anyone to capture an oral history, and Meagan encouraged anyone considering it to do so: It really is worth capturing anyone’s story.”.
They also discussed how AI will impact oral histories. Meagan said, “[Generative AI] creating an oral history that’s not real…is not very far off in terms of where the technology is right now.” Users of oral histories need to be diligent to ensure the veracity of sources.
Oral histories in Bowdoin Library’s Special Collections & Archives are available online and are open to the public, including the George J. Mitchell Oral History Project, a collection of recollections and personal impressions from individuals who knew George J. Mitchell.
Listen to the entire episode here.