Oral Histories

The Walsh History Center is delighted to present the first "living histories" in its Oral History Program, through which dedicated volunteers are in the process of gathering a lifetime of memories of long-time residents of the Camden, Rockport, and Lincolnville areas. As active participants in the midcoast community, those interviewed are, as folklorist Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett writes, "living links in the historical chain, eye witnesses to history, shapers of a vital way of life. They are unparalleled in the vividness and authenticity they can bring to the study of local history and culture."

For many of us, our fondest memories are of sitting with our elders, listening to their stories of "the old days." The reminiscences that we have begun to gather here at the History Center are many, and all are equally fascinating. The towns were less populated then, yet did not lack for excitement. Tales abound of great ships and rumrunners, local businessmen and "town characters."

These stories of community life anchor us in a larger whole. They connect us to the past while grounding us firmly in the present, and give a sense of identity and roots, belonging and purpose in a sometimes harried world. We hope that you enjoy reading these stories as much as our volunteers have enjoyed gathering them. Perhaps some of you will be inspired to interview your own family members, thereby preserving a vital part of your family history for future generations.

The following oral histories are available online, as well as in text and audio format in the Walsh History Center archives. Please click on a name to read the history online.

Frances Alexander Schipper Click here to read oral history online

The following oral histories are available in text and audio format in the Walsh History Center archives:

	James Lynch
	Fred Crockett
	Marguerite (Buzzell) Regnier
	Vernette (Cross) Robarts
	Alice Alley
	Ellen Doucette
	Ruth Johnson
	Clifton Richards
	Joan Tibbetts