Have you ever wondered what life was like in the North Country years ago? How did people live, work, and play? Thanks to a generous grant from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, I’ve been able to digitize a collection of cassette tapes from the Ogdensburg Public Library containing oral histories from residents. These oral histories provide a unique and personal perspective on the past, giving a voice to those who may not have been traditionally included in the historical narrative.
My YouTube channel now boasts 95 and counting oral histories, all available for anyone to listen to and learn from. The ongoing project, titled "Tell Us Your Story," covers a wide range of topics including railroads, the St. Lawrence River, building the Seaway, music, and much more. Each oral history is like a time capsule, preserving the memories and experiences of those who lived through significant events and changes in the community.
But why is oral history so important? For one, it allows for a more diverse and inclusive representation of the past. Often, history is told from the perspective of those in power or in positions of privilege. But oral history gives a voice to those who may have been overlooked or marginalized, such as women, people of color, and working-class individuals. Their stories are just as valuable and deserve to be heard.
So next time you're looking to learn more about your town or city's history, don't just rely on books and articles. Take a listen to the oral histories on my YouTube channel and discover a whole new perspective on the past. Who knows, you may even hear a familiar voice or learn something new about your own family history. After all, as the saying goes, "history is not just a collection of facts, but a collection of stories." And thanks to this oral history project, those stories are now being shared and preserved for generations to come.
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