Monday, March 12, 2001
The University Daily Kansan
Section A · Page 9
Forum explores state's oral history
Word of mouth tells of state's past
By Laurie Harrison Special to the Kansan
History is not always taught using books and films.
For about 140 people this weekend, the history of Kansas was told by mouth.
The second annual "Learning to Hear the Stories: Made in Kansas" at Alderson Auditorium in the Kansas Union emphasized the importance of oral history.
Maryemma Graham, professor of English and event organizer, said the purpose of the workshop was to give people an opportunity to step outside of their experiences to learn about other cultures.
The Hall Center for the Humanities, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the department of African and African American Studies, the
English department and its Project on the History of Black Writing paid for the program.
Graham said that people from all walks of life could research oral history.
"You don't have to be an expert," she said. "This is exactly what the University should be doing—making our knowledge available outside of the University."
Panelists for the 10 sessions included University of Kansas professors, museum archivist and community activists.
Tony Harris, Lawrence graduate student, attended the sessions and helped organize the workshop. He said the simple fact that this event occurred proved that people are interested in oral history.
The conference dealt with several issues relating to oral history. Tips on researching oral history, putting research into books and making oral history on film were discussed.
During lunch the audience viewed Ninth film, a film made in 1989 by
"In the African-American community, oral history really is the crux of, the basis of, our history."
workshop panelist
Angela Bates-Tompkins
Kevin Willmott, assistant professor of theater and film. The movie is based on the oral history of Junction City.
During the afternoon sessions panelists covered the African-American migration to Kansas and the Swedish, German and Mexican immigration to the state.
Bill Tuttle, professor of history and American Studies and workshop panelist, said that although many people questioned the validity of oral histories, researching the area was important.
"Oral history has provided answers to our historical questions when no
other sources could," Tuttle said.
Angela Bates-Tompkins, community activist and workshop panelist, agreed.
"In the African-American community, oral history really is the crux of, the basis of, our history," she said.
Bates-Tompkins, a native Kansan and descendant of Nicodemus settlers, successfully worked to make the northwest Kansas town a National Historic Site.
Nicodemus is the only remaining town established by African Americans west of the Mississippi River, Bates-Tompkins said.
Deborah Dandridge, archivist for the Kansas Collection at the Spencer Research Library, said that oral history allowed citizens to understand society because it included the kinds of stories, often about race and class prejudice, that probably wouldn't be reported in local newspapers.
"Oral history is a way in which we place an emphasis on the past that explains our past," she said.
Edited by Doug Pacey
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March 12-16
Registered Student Organizations
Several workstations will be available in the Student Organizations and Leadership Development Center for the 2001-2002 year. Applications are at SUA, O&L, and in 133 Strong Hall. Applications are due by noon on Friday, March 16, 2001
Call Susan Elkins, O&L Center, 864-4861 with questions