The steering committee contributes to the content and direction of the Hub’s programme, advises on relevant themes, and consists of a network of diverse professionals, with knowledge exchange at its core.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about oral history, the Oral History Hub, and how to start a project.
Can’t find your question? Feel free to get in touch with us.
What does the Oral History Hub do?
The Oral History Hub connects individuals and organisations engaged in oral history in a wide variety of ways. We do this by facilitating knowledge exchange, organising expert meetings and an annual symposium, offering training courses, and providing an online platform for oral history projects and collections. In addition, we initiate and develop our own exemplary projects, such as The History of the Turkish and Moroccan Women’s Movement in 40 Stories and Storianan Skondi di Karibe.
Which organisation is the Oral History Hub part of?
The Oral History Hub is an initiative of the BMP Foundation, developed in collaboration with six consortium partners, with BMP acting as the lead organisation. The aim is to foster as many connections as possible between organisations such as archives, museums, universities, historical societies and community initiatives. As of 1 January 2025, BMP is focusing its efforts on supporting the National Oral History Hub ‘Sprekende Geschiedenis’. The foundation will continue to serve as lead organisation for the next five years and remains actively involved as a consortium partner in the strategic and content-related governance of the Hub.
What does a steering committee do?
How can I become a partner of the Hub?
Organisations can join the Oral History Hub as partners. They pay an annual fee, based on the size of the organisation. In return, they can make use of the Hub’s support services and propose topics for the agenda. More information is available on our partnerpage.
How else can I contribute?
You can volunteer at a local archive, heritage organisation or museum — they often look for interviewers. You can also contact the Hub to help check and edit interview transcripts. We are always looking for people who can support the digitisation of interview materials.
I’d like to collaborate with you — who should I contact?
We’d love to hear from you! Please contact info@sprekendegeschiedenis.nl.
I’m interested in an internship – what are the possibilities?
There are opportunities for students in MBO, HBO or university programmes. The internship can focus on the technical side of oral history (e.g. digitisation), uncovering (mapping) existing oral history collections, and/or analysing oral history material.
I would like to follow a customised training — is this possible?
The Hub occasionally organises customised courses for partners. An online introductory course on oral history is also offered several times a year. Here you can find information about the upcoming dates. Here you can find information about the upcoming dates.
I’d like to suggest a collection or research project — how can I do this?
Sprekende Geschiedenis is always looking for oral history collections, projects or research. If you would like to suggest an interview collection, an ongoing project or a research initiative for the website, please send an email to info@sprekendegeschiedenis.nl with the subject line “collection/research suggestion”.
Are there any guides on how to conduct and record an interview?
Yes, there are. On our ‘Get started’ page, you’ll find all the information, including a practical oral history workflow with relevant links.
Wat is het beste programma/ softwaretechniek om te gebruiken voor transcriberen?
Op de pagina ‘Aan de slag’, onder het kopje ‘Tools’, vind je een handig overzicht met extra informatie.
What is meant by source material?
Source material refers to the original, unedited recordings of oral history interviews and their verbatim transcripts. From a historical perspective, source material is highly important.
Where can I find standards for preserving/archiving material?
That depends on the archive. The best approach is to contact us directly. We’re happy to help you find the solution that best fits your specific question.
How do you ensure diversity and inclusion in your work? For example, through the 4 Ps?
Oral history is, by its very nature, a powerful tool for contributing to greater diversity and inclusion in historical storytelling. But it doesn’t stop there. It also involves the composition of teams within organisations, the programmes being developed, and the audiences targeted through public presentations. The Oral History Hub has access to a large and diverse network and is happy to support you in finding suitable people and reaching different audience groups. In addition, the Hub works with a range of experts who can advise on the principles and working methods of your organisation.
ChatGPT zei: If I want to learn more about oral history, which books and articles do you recommend?
Oral History – de mensen en hun verhalen – Selma Leydesdorff (Uitgeverij Prometheus, Amsterdam, 2021)
The voices of the past – Paul Thompson (Oxford University Press, London / New York, 1978)
Oral History Theory – Lynn Abrams (Routledge – Taylor and Francis, 2016)
More suggestions can be found on our Publications page.