An example of the interview program is the Library's Oral History Project, which features interviews with many prominent members of the Bench and Bar of Massachusetts. The idea grew out of the custom of publishing memorial remarks for deceased justices in the Massachusetts state reports. The honorees, though universally praised and fondly remembered, were unfortunately unavailable to speak for themselves and thus had to rely on others to recall the events and results of their lives. Through the Oral History Project, individuals can tell their own life's story in their own words and likeness for all posterity. Among the 60 individuals interviewed so far, the list includes former Chief Justices, presidential candidates, nationally recognized attorneys, local legends, and simple folk who loom large in our lives.
Interviewees often relate personal experiences that impact upon national issues.
The result was a fascinating tape that illuminated a dark period of American political history through the observations of those involved. The master tapes are stored in the Library and are available for anyone wishing to find out more than what may be on record for the person in question. And, as most interviews are done on location, one can get a sense of the person's natural environment while viewing the tape. Other examples of videotaped programs produced by the Library include special sittings of the supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts. Because of the special nature of the proceedings, the Library's camera was alongside to record the event, as will be for all such sittings.