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Oral Histories

Tips for conducting a successful oral history interview.

Recording Tools

Recording an interview is easier than ever with a smartphone or laptop.  Recommended apps include:

  • Video Memos - iOS
  • Rev - Android and iOS
  • Voice Recorder & Audio Editor - iOS (free and premium editions)
  • Otter Voice Notes - Android and iOS (free and premium editions)
  • Voice Recorder Pro - iOS (free and premium editions)

External microphones are always recommended, but they may not be necessary with a good app and the good positioning of your device. Be mindful that they can be cheap or expensive.  If your interview is for a class project, and not to be saved once the project is completed, you can probably forego the external microphone - just be sure to test your app beforehand, in the space set for the interview.