The History of Parliament Trust is looking for new volunteer interviewers to join its oral history project!
Since 2011, the project has interviewed over 250 former members of parliament, creating, in collaboration with the British Library, a unique sound archive of British politics since 1945.
To fill some regional gaps in our collection, the project is specifically looking for volunteer interviewers based in, or able to travel to, either Wales or the North East of England.
Our project could not exist without our fantastic volunteers who, armed with the research we provide, head out to homes and offices of ex-MPs to discuss their childhood memories, inspiration to enter politics, first experiences of Westminster, significant political events and much more.
All volunteers will be provided with expert training in oral history methodology, with our next training session planned for 2-3 June, as well as frequent feedback and advice from the project’s manager, Alfie Steer, and the head of the History of Parliament’s Contemporary History section Dr Emma Peplow. Ideally those who volunteer will undertake at least two interviews a year. Experience in oral history techniques and an interest in modern British politics would be really useful, but are not essential.
Prospective volunteers should get in touch with our project manager, Alfie Steer at asteer@histparl.ac.uk.
A.S.
