The Union County Historical Society Oral Traditions Project: 1976-2026

1976 U.S. Bicentennial

Fifty years ago, coinciding with the U.S. Bicentennial celebrations, the members of the Oral Traditions project team recorded interviews with area residents about traditional Pennsylvania crafts and significant historical events spanning the first three-quarters of the twentieth century.

2026 U.S. Semiquincentennial

Today, Union County Historical Society (UCHS) is collaborating with staff from Bucknell University's Bertrand Library to scan available transcripts of these recordings. Word-searchable versions will be publicly available online, providing a window into this history in conjunction with the 2026 U.S. Semiquincentennial celebration.

Saving the Voices of the Past

While a percentage of the recordings have transcripts, more than half do not. Over 300 reel-to-reel tapes recording the original interviews survive, but are too fragile to play. Only professional digitization can safely preserve the audio
and allow for the transcription of the remaining interviews.

To save these voices for the future, we need your help to cover the costs of professional digital preservation.

Sponsor a Story

Your donation can support a particular interview and participant, or you could choose a topic of interest to bring to life. You may opt to be named as a contributor when the tapes are made public, or you might wish to dedicate your gift on behalf of a loved one or as a memorial. To guide your giving, please note that it costs approximately $50 to digitize one tape.

See more about the Union County Oral History Project at our website!

Oral Traditions Project 2026 Fundraiser

Sponsor a Story!

Team Members