What to Know about Oral History Interviews for CHS

History is not just buildings, artifacts and old maps; history is the people who lived at that time. Whether a native or a newcomer, we all have memories and stories of Chester - its hills, town center, shops and events, schools and neighbors, etc. History is really the present time, or as we like to say, Today is Tomorrow’s History. If we do not collect and preserve those memories, those stories, then one day they will disappear forever. The Chester Historical Society has taped oral histories for many years. Now, with current technology, we’re finding methods to make this history more accessible for all.

The Historical Society owns a couple of very small and efficient tape recorders. We can lend one to you for several days, upon request. IPhones are also very effective for making a voice recording. Once you have taped an oral history, please email us a copy of your recording (chestercthistoricalsociety@gmail.com). You can also email us your questions or call Cary Hull 860-558-4701 at any time.

There are lots of tips on the Internet about doing an oral history. Here are two resources:

https://storycorps.org/participate/tips-for-a-great-conversation/

https://www.oralhistory.org/web-guides-to-doing-oral-history/

However, we feel what’s really essential and effective is asking open-ended questions, being a good listener - the typical elements of having a friendly conversation with a friend or family member.

Before you get started, begin the recording with date, name of interviewee and interviewer(s). Be certain the interviewee knows that this recording will be owned by the Chester Historical Society, will be transcribed onto paper and may get used, in some way, in an exhibit or in print.

Attached is a form with basic factual questions that can be filled out by the interviewee and turned in to the Historical Society along with the taped interview. The information will help guide some of your questions. For instance, we would like to know why and when people came to Chester. Once they arrived in Chester, where did they live? What was their work?

Other questions to consider asking:

Where was the house you grew up in? What do you remember about it, your neighborhood, your neighbors?

What do you remember about Chester from your childhood?

Do you have memories about shopping in the Center?

What do you remember about your elementary school? Can you describe any of your classrooms? What do you remember about a typical school day? Did you walk to school every day?

Did you have favorite classes/teachers?

Where did you go for grades 7-8 and for high school? What year did you graduate?

Were your parents involved in the Town? Town organizations, churches, schools?

Who were your friends growing up?

What did you do in your spare time?

Was your family affected by the Depression? WWII?

Do you remember the Hurricane of ’38? How old were you? Where were you when it happened? Was that the biggest, scariest event you remember in Chester, or was there something worse?

What do you remember about parades, the Chester Fair, holidays, and other big events in Chester from when you were a child?

Once you graduated from school, did you leave Chester? Did you plan to live here as an adult?

What makes you happy about living in Chester today?

We are certain you’ll think of your own questions as well!