Capturing Community Chronicles - Morse History Project

As many of you know from our earlier news releases, we have embarked on a community history project. This newsletter contains updated information about the project as well as a more detailed description of what we need from you—the community—to make it a success.

Goal: To create a large scale oral and pictoral history with possibilities of leading to a history book.

Objectives: To create opportunities for interaction between generations that would not previously have existed.
To show youth that the memories of the past are important.
To show older generations that their knowledge is valuable.
To collect, preserve, and utilize the gathered information.

Timeline: November 26, 2007 to November 21, 2008

Information to Gather:
Oral histories, experiences, and memories of people from the area.
Histories of buildings and businesses in town.
Pictures of people and buildings and business from the area.

All organizations and groups are invited to participate. A core group of volunteers is needed to help coordinate and conduct interviews. We want to work with the school to develop a relevant, curriculum based and engaging way for the students to participate.

The last comprehensive attempt to capture the town’s history was done in 1973. This project goes beyond the written histories collected at that time to capture not only genealogical timelines, but also memories and experiences that make up the community’s history. We believe that the oral history format will help to capture the essence of small town life in Saskatchewan.

Interviews will be conducted by museum staff and volunteers over the next few months. All interviews will be transcribed and indexed for research purposes. Interviews will take place either in the museum or in the participant's home as per participant preference.

What We Need: Interview Participants
Interviewees– Do you or someone you know have interesting knowledge or memories to share about our community? If so, let us know and we will be happy to contact them and listen to their stories! Pre-written question set to be answered is provided. Participants are also encouraged to bring along photos or other memorabilia to aid in their storytelling.
Interviewers— Do you like to listen to stories? Basic training and equipment is provided, all we require is a patient ear.