ORAL HISTORY STORIES

Audio, Transcripts, Stories

THE PROJECT

An interest to compile an oral history of Florence and the Siuslaw Valley first began in 1975. The idea was to interview descendants of pioneer families who began arriving in Florence in the late 1800’s. A grant from the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission of Oregon was obtained. Renowned poet and professor, Kim Stafford agreed to take on the year-long project of interviewing individuals from the area. A list of individuals was put together by the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum staff.

With tape recorder in hand, Mr. Stafford visited folks throughout the area. He met with them in their homes, gardens, or wherever they were most comfortable. He didn’t ask a lot of questions. Instead, he allowed them to reveal what they felt had been important in their lives and experiences. And so began the museum’s Oral History Project. As the years followed, additional interviews which also included long-time residents, were conducted by museum volunteers. Though on hiatus for a number of years, the Oral History project resumed in late 2021 to incorporate stories based on the interviews. Interview audio, stories and transcripts are available in the library.

The museum’s on-site Kyle Research Library is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact the library (541-997-7884, ext. 1) for further information or to make an appointment. The following index is updated as new interviews are completed.
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