Center for Oral History Research
The Eastern Michigan University Archives Center for Oral History Research (COHR) records authentic life histories, documents historic events and unique memories of our times, provides public programming, and teaches archival research best practices across disciplines.
Services and Resources
Classes and Workshops
COHR Director Matt Jones and University Archivist Alexis Braun Marks, with help from graduate students, are occasionally available to lead workshops and informational sessions for individuals and/or organizations seeking to initiate projects, gather interviewees, create project workflows, and train interviewers. Each year, the EMU Archives and EMU Preservation Studies Program offer a course in oral history techniques which prepares interested students for work within COHR and is crosslisted with several academic departments across campus. Matt Jones can be reached at djones12@emich.edu for more information on how to get involved.
Community Outreach and Partnerships
COHR works with local historical agencies, museums, community organizations and schools on various projects. Such activities include, but are not limited to training, workshops and demonstrations in partnership with the Michigan Oral History Association, EMU Archives Memory Swaps, community scanning events, and general support. COHR also partners with universities, community groups, individuals, and non-governmental organizations to design, implement, and promote innovative oral history projects and programs.
EMU Aerie
The EMU Archives has created a mobile oral history recording booth (The EMU Aerie) intended to help break down barriers to campus access. While a practical tool for the recording of oral histories in the wider community, the Aerie is also a teaching tool designed to get COHR members directly into the communities they are documenting in order to build trust, understanding, and familiarity with our narrators and their communities. Anyone interested in procuring the EMU Aerie for a public or private event should contact Matt Jones at djones12@emich.edu
Equipment use & Instructional Support
COHR is happy to work with teaching faculty and lecturers to incorporate oral history methods into the learning process. Additionally, COHR loans recording equipment to campus offices for appropriate projects.