MAC Fall Symposium

The MAC Fall Symposium, hosted at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, focuses on the theme People, Not Projects, highlighting the importance of relationships in the realm of oral history. This event, directed by the Center for Oral History Research, will delve into the dynamics that underpin interviews and the subsequent documentation processes.

Attendees will engage in discussions about the role of narrators, whose authentic voices are integral to the oral history narrative, even if their recorded contributions are brief. The symposium aims to illustrate how incorporating narrators into every aspect of oral history—ranging from research and question formulation to editing, legal considerations, metadata creation, and public access—can significantly enhance the trust and depth of historical inquiry.

Throughout the symposium, participants will have the opportunity to explore various facets of oral history projects. This includes understanding the technical requirements for recording equipment and the intricate development processes that occur both before and after interviews. The event promises to offer insights into transcription methods, access to information, and preservation strategies, all while emphasizing the centrality of human relationships in crafting compelling oral histories.