Primary Sources

Oral histories are spoken accounts of historical events, often (but not always) reflecting the speaker's personal experiences. When used as a primary source for historical research, oral history interviews are usually recorded in audio or video formats, and/or transcribed into text. 

Unlike many other types of primary sources, there is no nationally recognized digital repository for oral histories. The largest number overall are in non-specialized platforms such as YouTube. A very large number, however, are only hosted on stand-alone web sites, which are often focused on a particular subject, such as the Holocaust. 

General Audio-Video Sites

Oral History Repositories by Subject

Holocaust / Genocides

Japanese-Americans

Latinos / Latinas

Native Americans (see also "Native American Oral History - Oregon Tribes," below)

Traditionally, stories were passed down orally. Many stories are only meant for specific people, or should be told at specific times. The oral histories and related kinds of videos that are listed below are stories that Native people have chosen to share: they are all published online.