Oral History in Education: Diversifying Voices from the Past
Let’s consider the power of oral history interviews.

By encouraging conversations with our elders, we can preserve their important memories and connect younger generations with the past. We also foster a deeper understanding of history and a stronger sense of community. This is a unique and personal approach to history education.
Ancestors unKnown believes that incorporating oral history into education is a critical step to improve how we recover, preserve, and teach the widest range of histories.
By conducting interviews with elders, students gain firsthand access to the past. They learn about family traditions, historical events, and the challenges and triumphs of previous generations. This firsthand experience brings history to life, making it more relevant and engaging for young learners.

Ancestors unKnown students in the UK and the Netherlands have explored a wide range of oral history sources, including:
- Family members: Grandparents, great-grandparents, aunties, uncles, and other older relatives offer invaluable insights into family history, cultural traditions, and personal experiences.
- Community elders: Interviewing local historians, community leaders, and other respected members of the community provides students with a broader perspective on local history and the diverse experiences that have shaped their community.
Incorporating a wide range of oral histories into history education is key for diversifying perspectives and making lessons more inclusive. By listening to the voices of diverse individuals, students gain a deeper understanding of different cultures, experiences, and viewpoints. This challenges traditional, often Eurocentric narratives and creates a more equitable and representative understanding of the past.
Oral history projects not only benefit students’ academic learning but also foster valuable life skills. They learn to:
- Conduct research: Plan interview questions, research background information, and prepare for interviews.
- Communicate effectively: Develop strong listening and questioning skills and effectively record and analyze information.
- Build relationships: Connect with elders in their community, build meaningful relationships, and learn to appreciate the wisdom and experiences of others.
- Present their findings: Share their research through creative presentations, such as multimedia presentations, storytelling, or local exhibitions.
By linking voices they recognize to the past, Ancestors unKnown uses oral histories to empower students as active participants in preserving their community’s heritage and creating more inclusive historical narratives.
Ready to bring the past to life in your classroom? Contact Ancestors unKnown for resources and advice to incorporate oral history into your history lessons.