The Rutgers Oral History Archives' operations have been largely supported through the generosity and hard work of the Rutgers alumni community and dedicated New Jersey citizens that make up the 1,500-member strong Rutgers Living History Society (RLHS).
Founded in 2002, RLHS is an honor society established to recognize those persons who participate in or loyally support the practice of oral history at Rutgers University and to generate enthusiasm and support for the practice of oral history at the University. Membership is automatically extended to all who participate in the interview process at ROHA. Membership may also be extended to persons who, while they have not contributed personal histories, have shown their support for ROHA by their noteworthy financial contributions or their helpful professional or executive guidance and advice.
The RLHS and ROHA host an Annual Meeting which brings guests (interviewees, supporters and their families) to the Rutgers-New Brunswick Campus. The Stephen E. Ambrose Oral History Award is presented to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the practice and/or use of oral history. The award is named for the late historian and author Stephen E. Ambrose, who helped guide the Rutgers Oral History Archives program at its inception in 1994 and who served on its Academic Advisory Board for the balance of his life.
This year’s Ambrose Award winner is Daniel J. Brown, author of many publications where oral history has been integral to his research and storytelling. His most recent book is Facing the Mountain: An Inspiring Story of Japanese American Patriots in World War II. Daniel Brown tells the story of four Japanese American soldiers and their families whose sacrifices and contributions helped the US prevail in World War II.
The RLHS also honored Dr. Kurt Piehler, the first Director of the Rutgers Oral History Archives, currently the Director of the Center for the Study of World War II at Florida State University. He received the Rutgers Oral History Archives Legacy Award. Dr. Piehler is a prolific scholar, and his most recent publication is A Religious History of the American GI in World War II, which relies heavily on oral history interviews along with many other first-hand sources to tell its story.