How to Participate in an Oral History with ROHA

ParticipateWe want to record your story.  Send us an This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the Rutgers Oral History Archives office at 848-932-0454 to schedule a convienent interview date or to find out more information.

STEP 1: Complete a Pre-Interview Survey.  This can either be mailed to you or downloaded here.  Complete the sections that apply to you.  The Pre-Interview Survey allows our staff and students to better prepare for the upcoming oral history interview.  All information gathered through the oral history process is kept strictly confidential until the interviewee agrees to release their interview for public research.

STEP 2: Mail your completed Pre-Interview Survey to: 

Rutgers Oral History Archives
1 Spring Street, Room 417
New Brunswick, NJ 08901

STEP 3: Share your story with our staff and students.

STEP 4: Within three weeks, you will receive an audio copy of your oral history, which is yours to keep and share with your friends and family.  After your oral history is fully transcribed, you will receive a printed copy of the transcript to review before it is shared with the world through our highly acclaimed website.

 


Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate in the Rutgers Oral History Archives?

The program endeavors to interview as many Rutgers University alumni/faculty/staff and/or New Jersey residents as funding allows each year.  If the Rutgers Oral History Archives is unable to interview someone, we will try, to the best of our ability, to direct them to an oral history program in their area.

What if there are subjects/events that I do not feel comfortable discussing?

We understand that many of the issues covered in the interview can be difficult, such as combat, losing friends and loved ones, etc.  Our policy is you do not have to discuss anything that you do not wish to discuss; our interviewers will adjust their line of questioning to suit your wishes.

I served in the military, but did not serve in combat and/or in wartime. Would you still want to interview me?

Yes.  We are keenly interested in capturing every aspect of the military experience.

I did not serve in the military. Would you still want to interview me?

Yes.  We aim to document a variety of viewpoints and experiences, in line with our expanded scope.  Over the years, we have interviewed defense industry employees, Civil Defense workers, scientists, students, spouses of service personnel, etc.  If you are a Rutgers University alumni/faculty member/staff member, we are interested in conducting your oral history to record the history of the University during various eras.  If you are a New Jersey resident, we are interested in conducting your oral history to record the history of the state--its diverse populations, communities, businesses, and social & cultural movements--through the 20th and 21st centuries.

I do not travel much.  Can you interview me in my home?

Yes.  If you live in the State of New Jersey (or within a reasonable driving distance from New Brunswick, NJ), our interviewers can travel to your home or to another convenient location, such as your office or the home of a relative.  Otherwise, interviews are conducted on the College Avenue Campus of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. Additionally, due to the pandemic, ROHA conducts interviews via video conference or by telephone.