The Hofstra History Project
In the first six months of 2010, Hofstra University students will, under the direction of Assistant Professor of History James A. Levy, University Archivist Geri Solomon, and Honors College Dean Warren Frisina, be embarking on a unique project. About 20 Hofstra students have been trained, during the Fall 2009 semester in a special course, to take oral histories, and this spring, they will embark on the most comprehensive oral history project that Hofstra University has done through its history.
View photos from the Oral History class
Hofstra students will travel and interview past and present students, professors, administrators, staff and other Hofstra-affiliated personalities, from VIP visitors to local residents. These interviews will be recorded and transcribed for our permanent archival collection and used during the 75th Anniversary events next year - for multi-media presentations, for location-specific displays, and for a wide range of publications.
Our goal is for our students to conduct about 100 interviews, and to build a rich archive of voices and stories, and so we need you – your stories, your recommendations, and your contacts. Please let us know if you know someone (and self-nominations are welcome) who has a unique and important story to share.
We want to ensure that a variety of experiences, ages, eras, backgrounds are represented, so we may not be able to use all of the names that are submitted to the Hofstra History Project. If you or your nominee is not selected, we encourage you to submit your memories through the “Tell Your Story” link, or your photos through our Flickr group – and become a part of our Living History project.
To nominate someone, please email Geri Solomon the following information: Interviewee Criteria Possibilities (one or more of the following suggested, not required):
- Significant involvement with Hofstra (then or recently),
- Direct involvement in significant Hofstra-related event(s) and/or significant organizations,
- Participation in (or observation of) news-worth events (then or recently), and
- Possesses good speaking and storytelling skills.
- Years associated with Hofstra and status (faculty, friend, student, alumni)
Please provide us with as much contact information that you have. If you know someone who will be a good candidate for an interview, but don’t have contact information, do not leave them out. We may be able to locate individuals ourselves, but appreciate any information you provide to make that easier.