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For centuries historical information was communicated orally. In cultures where there was little or no written language, stories of historical figures and events were passed on from generation to generation by word of mouth. As writing became widespread historians began to record information in written documents. Thus the art of the oral history was virtually lost. It wasn't until the 1940's that the value of oral history was once again recognized. An American historian named Allan Nevins realized that modern men and women who used the telephone would no longer leave behind their written memoirs and papers. From 1948 on, he and his colleagues from Columbia University began to interview and tape record notable persons in order to preserve their memories.
Recording live interviews on audio or video tape is important because it allows us to understand the recent past and enables us to interact with those who lived the experiences. It is a unique way of preserving the history of our communities and families.