Unearthing Oral Histories is held in connection to the exhibition In Over My Head, now on view at the Harvard Ed Portal. In this work artist and instructor Thalassa Raasch uses oral history techniques to share the labor and life of Everard Hall, a gravedigger still digging and filling graves by hand. During the workshop, an opportunity to visit the show will contextualize a facet of oral history work, and offer an opportunity for discussion.
Led by artist Thalassa Raasch, this introductory workshop will unpack the power of collecting and sharing oral histories.Participants will develop an understanding of what oral history is, how (and how not) to conduct an oral history interview, the necessary equipment, and the different methods of sharing oral histories.
Whether you’re planning to interview a family member, or the town gravedigger, this workshop will give you the skills and techniques you’ll need to hit the ground recording.
Unearthing Oral Histories is open to beginning and intermediate audio storytellers, and anyone interested in learning more about oral history.
PRICING
The cost of this workshop is $25 for non-members and $10 for members of the Podcast Garage or members of the Harvard Ed Portal (i.e. any Allston-Brighton resident). Sign up below!
We're offering scholarships for this workshop. Learn more here.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Thalassa Raasch is a French American artist working in photography, video, audio, and installation. Her ongoing project In Over My Head, now on view at the Harvard Ed Portal, uses oral history techniques to share the labor and life of Everard Hall, a gravedigger still digging and filling graves by hand. Thalassa has taught audio storytelling to high schoolers in Ladakh, India for the Vermont Intercultural Semester.
She has worked as a multimedia storyteller for the Maine Community Foundation, conducting interviews with Mainers of all backgrounds. She has taught photography and interdisciplinary art practice at Lesley University, and is currently teaching for the Rhode Island School of Design.
Our programming is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.