University of Miami Oral History Program

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Launched in the Fall of 2001, the Otto G. Richter Library's Oral History Program (OHP) exists to facilitate the efforts of individual researchers and organizations involved in the preservation of South Florida's rich history and culture through the collection of oral sources. Since South Florida is a region defined by immigrants from all parts of the country and from abroad, the OHP encourages studies that explore the historical and cultural linkages that bind South Florida to national and global communities, as well as micro-studies that delve deeply into individual community history.

At present, the OHP endeavors to facilitate oral history initiatives by collecting, archiving, storing, preserving, and otherwise organizing and managing the materials produced by disparate organizations and individuals, and by making these sources available to researchers and patrons interested in exploring South Florida's history. The OHP also endeavors to publicize its ever increasing collection via its webpage, as well as through press releases in local newspapers and journals.

By providing a centralizing yet flexible service, the OHP aims at accommodating discrete initiatives, while preserving their individual integrity. In this way, we hope to foster a learning environment, where diverse voices can interact and help bring renewed perspective to our understanding of South Florida history and life. The University of Miami Oral History Program is funded in part by the Helen Carmichael Purdy Foundation.

These oral histories are available for research (all are accompanied by signed releases). Please contact the Special Collections Department for access to tapes and transcripts.

For inquiries:
Special Collections Department
University of Miami
Telephone: 305-284-3247
Fax: 305-284-4027
asc.library@miami.edu