Who We Are: About the Oral History Association

A Membership Association for People Committed to the Value of Oral History

Since 1966, the Oral History Association has served as the principal membership organization for people committed to the value of oral history. OHA engages with policy makers, educators, and others to help foster best practices and encourage support for oral history and oral historians. With an international membership, OHA serves a broad and diverse audience including teachers, students, community historians, archivists, librarians, and filmmakers.

In addition to fostering communication among its members, the OHA encourages standards of excellence in the collection, preservation, dissemination and uses of oral testimony. To guide and advise those concerned with oral documentation, the OHA has established a set of goals, guidelines, and evaluation standards for oral history interviews. See Principles and Best Practices

The association also recognizes outstanding achievement in oral history through an awards program. Awards are given in the categories of oral history publications, nonprint media productions, teaching, and projects.

“Membership in OHA keeps me tapped into the heart of the national and international oral history community.”

– Kelly Elaine Navies

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