The Ohio University Oral History Project began in fall 2023, during President Lori Stewart Gonzalez’s first semester. The project was launched to capture, through ongoing interviews, the experiences and perspectives of individuals who shaped the University’s growth after World War II. It also seeks to build on existing oral histories and other recordings, bringing them together into a comprehensive collection in Alden Library’s Special Collections.
This collection serves as a valuable primary resource for research and learning, supporting the study of Ohio University’s history and related topics. It also creates opportunities to expand oral history work across campus and with the broader community.
In spring 2024, a volunteer advisory group was formed to guide the project. Its goals are to:
- Record interviews documenting OHIO’s postwar development
- Build a sustainable, accessible archive of oral histories
- Engage alumni and the wider University community
- Develop an oral history methods course for students
Together, these efforts support research, teaching, and a deeper understanding of Ohio University’s impact.