OCPL and OHC partnering on Oral History Collection

The Oconee County Public Library, in partnership with the Oconee Heritage Center, is undertaking the creation of an oral history program to help preserve the distinct history of Oconee County. The focus is collecting stories that relate to county history and memories of the changes that have taken place within the county in the past century, as well as the people who have influenced the area. The creation of manmade lakes in Oconee County will be the initial focus for collecting stories for this oral history project. “The plan is to start collecting stories of the early days around Lake Keowee, Jocassee, and Hartwell, and then build on to the program over the coming years. By placing the initial focus on the creation of the lakes, the hope is to start conversations in our community that will allow us to reflect on our history, and to teach the next generation about a time that directly impacts the way they live today, to be able to share with others the many different stories of this time from entire communities that no longer exist in their original location, to the individuals who remember places like High Falls before it was under water, to those who have family members that sold land to Duke Energy for the lake. Each story creates a glimpse into our past and gives insight into the lives of our family and friends who lived and experienced something we can only imagine. As many of the people who remember this time grow older, the memories of the creation of the lakes will slowly fade away if not preserved. By creating this Oral History Program, it is our hope to begin to capture these memories while there are still individuals around that can remember what life was like before, during, and just after the creation of the lakes,” said Oconee County Public Library Branch Services Librarian Blair Hinson. This project would help to serve as a launching pad to create a sustainable program that would not only collect and preserve this information, but would bring a renewed interest in the collective history of the people of Oconee County. If you or someone you know has a story to share, they want to hear about it. They are planning to begin collecting Oral Histories in the fall of 2015, and are currently working to gather all the equipment and create a plan for programming that will coincide with the project. Part of this initial push will be creating a list of contacts of people who would be willing to share their stories. If you or someone you know has a story to share about this time in Oconee County history, get in touch with the Library by contacting Emily Embry at 864-364-5701 or Leslie White at the Oconee Heritage Center at 864-638-2224.