We are best served by history when it is a tool in understanding our past, as a means of looking at the possibilities of our future. History should not simply be about collecting artifacts. The stories we share are the most tangible link to our past.
The Nantucket Oral History Project not only records personal histories, but uses them to illustrate local issues and facilitate discussions. It is also a creative commons, a place to share information and to become part of what we hope will be a growing conversation.
The key to this project is your participation. This page is set up like a blog. You can watch the short films and leave your comments. We will admit, however, to being old fashioned enough to believe the best way to see these films is at public screenings, where you can actually see your neighbors and engage them in conversation.
We can provide advice in getting you started in collecting the oral histories of your family. Eventually this will be a place for you to store them, and to make them part of the Nantucket story.
This idea has been made real through a generous donation from Wendy Schmidt. We need your help to keep this idea alive. We currently have a $10,000 matching grant and are looking for donations to match it. If you would like to donate, please contact us at:
Being part of the conversation becomes more and more important as we ponder the question of whether it is possible to redesign and reshape our island in ways that make sense for us. The Nantucket Oral History Project is one avenue to explore that question.
The Nantucket Oral History Project would like to thank PlumTV and the Nantucket Atheneum for their help.
Comments
Comment from jstanton
Time July 6, 2009 at 5:49 am
This month we are shooting and editing a mini-doc on the history and future of windmills on Nantucket. Please feel free to write in with your ideas. The Nantucket Oral History Project is meant to be a way we can all be included in the conversation about this island.
John Stanton
Comment from frank cunningham
Time July 10, 2009 at 9:42 am
Have been to the three discussions so far and am delighted at the increase in audience. It has inspired me to meet and record some elders of the community. I met a ninety nine(99) years yound woman at a choir concert this week. She has invited me to visit and chat. Her son, when asked, suggested best time was around 5p.m. if I wished to join her in drinking a good Scotch whiskey. This project can only grow and grow.
Comment from Sarah
Time July 4, 2009 at 2:28 pm
nicely filmed interviews show the viewer how Nantucket’s Main street has evolved over time. Good explanation of the changes that occurred with the introduction of regular boats and planes. Also like the caveats of working in a family business.