Have a story to tell?
The Tell Me a Story Oral History Program, started in 2010, is a free service provided by the Midwest Genealogy Center. This program is designed to help our community find ways to preserve and share their stories, be they family accounts, community histories, and beyond.
MGC provides three possible avenues for customers to record their stories with us.
Book an appointment in MGC’s Oral History Room
The MGC Oral History Room is a designated recording space equipped with professional grade microphones, noise reduction paneling, and audio software. Those interested in recording an oral history are asked to call 816.252.7228 and make an appointment. During your appointment, a trained staff member will sit in with you to operate the technology and ensure the interview goes smoothly. We recommend having no more than 3 people participate in each recording.
Record an oral history at home
If you are unable to travel to MGC or want to record someone from the comfort of their home, we also offer Tell Me A Story Oral History Kits. Kits check out like a book and come with everything needed to record an oral history at home, including a recording device, release forms, instructions for use, and sample questions. You can request a kit by putting it on hold in our online catalog to be checked out at MGC or sent to your nearest MCPL location.
Record a story in MGC’s traveling Tell Me a Story Pod
The newest addition to MGC’s oral history program, the Tell Me a Story Pod is a traveling recording booth designed to capture “bite-sized” stories on site. Refer back to this page for upcoming travel dates to a location near you!
How do I get a copy of my oral history after I’ve recorded it?
Participants in the Tell Me a Story program will receive their choice of a CD or flashdrive of their recording, free of charge. They also have the option to include their recording in MGC’s online archive.
How do I learn more about how to record quality oral histories?
Register today for MGC’s class, “Introduction to Oral History at MGC” for an introduction to the field of oral history, its significance in genealogy, and how MGC’s Tell Me a Story program can help you accomplish your goals. Learn how to develop an oral history project, from defining project goals to ethical interview techniques, equipment tips and tricks, and more!
How can I listen to the oral history recordings in the Midwest Genealogy Center’s collection?
You can browse and listen to MGC’s collection of local oral history recordings.