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Oral History Project

The Garage: Oral Histories of Forgottonia

The Western Illinois Museum was awarded a grant from the Illinois Humanities Council in support of its efforts to collect oral histories of area residents. The grant covers the cost of video equipment and editing software the museum can use to capture first-hand recollections of local history.

120 North Johnson Street in Macomb, Illinois, taken in March of 1960

Much of local history is often lost due to the lack of ways and means to collect it.  Most everyday events when considered on their own do not seem significant but when viewed as a whole can describe the nuanced culture of a community. Oral histories add people’s insights, impressions, and opinions to the factual details of history. An oral history interview is a perfect way to capture local history while delving into what makes a community unique. 

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The Western Illinois Museum’s oral history collection currently includes over 70 audio recordings of local veterans, educators, and business owners. For this project, the museum is interested in recording memories of the automobile and how it impacted everyday life. Over the next year, the museum staff invites the community to share their experiences working in automobile service and sales businesses, as well as how owning or having a car impacted their life. The museum is especially interested in memories about its current home, the long-time location of Macomb Motors located at 201 S. Lafayette Street.

The video recorded interviews will become part of the museum’s collection and be used in exhibits and programs.  In addition, the museum staff is exploring ways to make the videos available online as a resource tool for understanding the changes the automobile had on rural life.   Interviews can range from a single recollection that is just a few minutes long to a more in-depth conversation. To schedule an interview or for more information call 309.837.2750 or email info@wimuseum.org. The Western Illinois Museum is located at 201 South Lafayette Street one block south of Macomb’s Courthouse Square.

Illinois Humanities is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Illinois General Assembly [through the Illinois Arts Council Agency], as well as by contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed by speakers, program participants, or audiences do not necessarily reflect those of the NEH, Illinois Humanities, our partnering organizations or our funders.