The Big Red One Veterans Oral History Project
Oral history can be defined as historical data consisting of personal recollections, usually in the form of a recorded interview, and the gathering and preservation of such data. The Colonel Robert R. McCormick Research Center is expanding the scope and reach of our oral history program. Our goal is to preserve veterans’ stories as part of First Division history and to promote the history of the Big Red One by making these stories available to scholars.
We seek Big Red One veterans interested in being candidates for oral history interviews. Your name will be entered into our Oral History Candidate List, which will help us plan and schedule future interviews.
How It Works
We encourage you to fill out the Big Red One Oral History Application Form in the Submissions section. Please fill out and send the Application Form to us.
Once we receive the form, we’ll place your name on the Oral History Candidates List to contact you and arrange a mutually convenient time for the interview.
Once your interview is scheduled, you will receive a confirmation letter that provides details about the interview. Along with the letter, you will receive a release form for your signature.
Our interviewer will prepare by doing background research and by drafting a question list. The question list will be sent in advance to help you prepare for the interview. Please let us know if you prefer to be videotaped or recorded on audiotape only. After the interview, a transcript will be made. You will receive a copy of the recording and of the transcript. The McCormick Research Center will have the original recording and transcript in order to preserve your story and make it available to scholars studying First Division history.
If you have any questions, please send your email to egillespie@firstdivisionmuseum.org.
