Putnam County oral history project seeking participants

John T. Wilson (left), Dr. Steve Irwin and Joe Crosby reminisce during an oral history collection session at the Roachdale Hardware Store.

Courtesy photo

Documenting and preserving family histories can be undertaken in many ways.

One approach concentrates on the examination of public records, such as census records, church records, wills and deeds. Another way focuses on the examination of various materials in the possession of family members, such as diaries, photo albums, business records and artifacts. A third effort is concerned with recording oral history interviews with family members about the aspects of their lives and memories.

That third approach is about to take root locally.

“A unique and exciting Putnam County initiative is about to commence,” announces Joe Buser, president of the Roachdale Revitalization Cooperative Alliance.

In an unprecedented partnership with the Putnam County Museum and the Putnam County Public Library, Buser and his team will begin a two-year pilot project to collect and preserve the stories of Putnam County.

Joe Buser

“We want to preserve history in the voice of those who have lived it,” Buser, the project coordinator, said. “The most valuable contribution a person can leave for the future is their story. People have long used storytelling to transmit information and values within a culture’s heritage to the next generation.”

With film equipment purchased by the Putnam County Library through a grant from the Putnam County Community Foundation, the group will be filming the interviews and will eventually edit them into a documentary film.

Several local musicians have already expressed interest in writing and recording a collaborative original soundtrack for the short film, Buser said.

“I am very much looking forward to starting this project, and am anxious to witness and record the incredible stories from our older generation,” Buser said. “I am grateful to our team members, Malcolm Romine and Ron Price, whose in-depth experience and communication skills will help us succeed by bringing out and interpreting the very best in our interviews.”

People interested in sharing their story may nominate themselves or another person for the program by contacting Buser at joebuser@yahoo.com.

Selected participants will be scheduled for an hour-long interview.

The interview filming will take place at the Putnam County Museum, in Roachdale or on location for those unable to travel.