Oral history records people's experiences on sound and video tape. It is a vital tool for our understanding of the recent past. No longer are we dependent only on the written word. Oral history enables people who have been hidden from history to be heard, and for those interested in their past to record personal experiences and those of their families and communities. Oral history preserves everyone's past for the future.
Oral history brings a new dimension to local and family history.
Oral history is used in community and residential work with older people to encourage a sense of worth and continued contribution to society. Oral history in museums, galleries and heritage displays is used to inform and brings displays to life. Oral history collections at local archives and libraries have emerged as important new sources for all those interested in history. Oral history is an important source for many radio and television programmes. The Oral History Society is a national and international organisation dedicated to the collection and preservation of oral history.