The annual meeting of the Oral History Association will be held from 19-22 October 2022 in Los Angeles, United States.

We live in uncertain times. A global pandemic, the escalation of racial violence, attacks on democratic institutions, and a worsening climate crisis put strain on individuals and communities alike, often challenging the ways we understand our present and envision a future.

While the turmoil around us feels out of the ordinary, it is not without precedent. A nation founded on liberty and democracy but simultaneously on settler colonialism and slavery lives in contradiction, the avoidable but very common result of which has been violence, calamity, and instability for generations. Indeed, the present moment rests on these historic imbalances, whether in the ascendancy of authoritarianism and racial nationalism; the movements for Black lives, immigrants’ rights, and climate justice; or the myriad ways chronic inequities have exacerbated the impact of the deadly pandemic. Our present is exceptional, but it also unites us with generations of humanity who have faced their own struggles to endure.

As a worldwide lockdown interrupted the normality of societal life, it served as a palpable reminder of human capabilities and needs. Obliged to shift our family and work lives, we found ways to adapt and maintain. In need of comfort and community, we engaged new modes of communication and connectivity to provide solace and care. Though far too many fell victim to the virus—whether in body or spirit—many more invented ways to nurture and lift up. These collective trials harnessed our creativity and resilience. Naturally, they also compelled us to search for meaning, to reexamine, and, ultimately, to remember.

Call for proposals – deadline 4 March 2022

The Program Committee welcomes an array of interpretations of the conference theme. In the spirit of transformation and adaptation, this year’s session formats are informed by last year’s program committee, who promoted new ways of disseminating the stories we collect and share.

Find out more: www.oralhistory.org/2022-call-for-proposals.

Guest Speaker: A history of the Australian 12ft. Cadet Dinghy

Cadet Dinghy, Daphne, sailed by a Mr Bun c1946

Come along to hear how Andrew Locke and Mike Lefroy set about writing a history of the Australian 12 ft. Cadet Dinghy in time to commemorate its pending 100th Anniversary early in 2023. It became a bigger challenge than expected and one that they are willing to share with any ‘wanna-be’ group historians.

They had spent several years sailing in these boats in the 1960s and, based on their experiences, wanted to create a comprehensive history that included more than a list of boats, dates, and skippers. Therefore, they decided to interview many of the men who sailed in these training boats back in the 1940s through to the 1960s.

The intention was to transcribe the interviewees’ recollections and stories but being new to the process of recording and transcribing oral histories, the learning curve for Andrew and Mike was steep.

So, put aside your Sunday afternoon commitments to join others as they are introduced to the Australian 12 ft. Cadet Dinghy’s history and hear about the ups and downs of embarking on this ambitious project.

Date: Sunday 23 October 2022
Time: 2:00 pm for a 2:15 pm start
Venue: The Great Southern Room (4th Floor) The State Library of WA, 25 Francis Street, Perth WA
RSVP: 19 October 22 to Lynn at contact@oralhistorywa.org.au (Preferred option) If unable to email then phone Lynn O’Hara T. 0408 959 006

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Accredited Oral History Training in Perth,  Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 November 2022

10 am to 4 pm  – KING STREET ARTS CENTRE,  357/365 Murray St  PERTH

Are you interested in learning how to do professional oral history interviews?

Anyone interested in learning how to interview, to hear the best stories from family and friends? Want to learn about cultural protocols and how to use the recording equipment?  Beginners, intermediate and advanced, those wanting to gain an accredited oral history qualification.

The nationally accredited oral history training will be delivered over two days by Dr. Elaine Rabbitt, with Oral History WA past president, Doug Ayre.  Elaine has developed the oral history training package for AHCILM404 Record and Document Community History, drawn from the wealth of oral history teaching materials that are available in Australia and overseas.

Too busy to treat yourself to a weekend of oral history – think again?  This is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the practicalities of oral history and gain nationally recognised certification. This is a stepping stone for further learning and possible employment opportunities.

The two workshops are practical and hands on. Students will learn how to use professional recording equipment and they can bring their own recording devices.

Certification: Those who complete the workshop, an interview and their assessment workbooks, will be awarded their certificate issued by the Goolarri Media Enterprises (GME) Registered Training Organisation No.51278.[i]

Course Costs: $395 (no GST). Discount for Oral History Australia members and students $360 (no GST).  Includes enrolment fees, resources, participant handbook, and assessment and issuing certificate.

For further information about the course content contact or to register please contact elaine.rabbitt@gme.com.au, PH: 08 91949999

Hosted by the National Archives of Singapore (NAS), the 2022 Virtual International Symposium of the Southeast Asia Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (SARBICA) will take place from 15 to 17 November 2022 including a pre-symposium Workshop on 15 November.

The symposium theme is  ‘Preservation & Sustainability: Two Sides Of The Same Coin?’. Preservation is a cornerstone of memory institutions like the archives, while sustainability and sustainable development are the all-important challenges of our times. Partnering both issues in the theme is appropriate and timely. The theme also suggests that there may be differing opinions and perspectives on this link. The Symposium shall provide a venue to raise awareness, gain new perspectives, promote discussions and engage with questions on the intersection between the work of memory institutions, the environment and sustainability.

Expand your networks, and bond with fellow professionals at the events. For more information regarding the registration fees and other details, please visit https://sarbicasymposium2022.nas.gov.sg/.