Preserving Cultural Heritage

Ron Watermon • July 16, 2023

Why Museums Should Embrace Digital Archiving of Oral Histories

St. Louis, MO – July 16, 2023 - Cultural heritage is a tapestry woven with the stories, memories, and experiences of our ancestors. As guardians of this invaluable legacy, museums play a pivotal role in preserving and promoting these narratives for future generations.

In the digital age, embracing the power of oral histories and digital archiving offers a transformative approach to safeguarding cultural heritage.

In this post, we delve into the significance of oral histories and advocate for museums to collaborate with filmmakers in capturing the personal accounts of veterans. Using the World War II Museum in New Orleans as an example, we will explore how a collaboration with a filmmaker and digital archivists could enrich the museum's exhibits and connect visitors with the heroic stories of those who lived through this historical era.


Understanding Oral Histories as Cultural Treasures

Oral histories, passed down through generations, hold cultural knowledge, traditions, and values that written records cannot fully capture. These firsthand accounts offer unique insights into the past, providing a nuanced understanding of historical events and the people who shaped them. However, the vulnerability of oral traditions highlights the urgency of preserving these invaluable stories before they are lost to time.


The Role of Museums as Guardians of Heritage

Museums serve as the custodians of cultural heritage, entrusted with the responsibility to protect and disseminate these narratives. By prioritizing the preservation of oral histories, museums fulfill their duty to honor the legacies of those who came before us and ensure their contributions are not forgotten.


Embracing Digital Archiving Technologies

Incorporating digital archiving technologies into the preservation process brings numerous advantages. Digitization enhances accessibility, allowing people from all corners of the world to engage with these narratives. Additionally, preserving oral histories in audiovisual formats creates a more immersive and emotional experience for visitors, forging deeper connections with the past.

What is more is that a gifted filmmaker can turn an oral history into a beautiful story on screen when they are able to integrate personal photos into an individual story. For example, filmmaker Ken Burns has turned this process into a beautiful artform we can all learn from when trying to bring someone’s story to the screen in a documentary film.


World War II Museum in New Orleans: A Potential Case Study Example

The World War II Museum in New Orleans stands as a living testament to the valor and sacrifices of those who served during this tumultuous period. While the museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts, the inclusion of oral histories from veterans can elevate its exhibits to new heights. By collaborating with a filmmaker, the museum can embark on a mission to capture the personal stories of World War II veterans, ensuring their legacy endures for generations to come.

While a group of volunteers is doing a wonderful job of trying to capture the stories of these heroic individuals, there would be real benefit in partnering with professionals to take it to another level.


Collaborating with Filmmakers & Digital Archivists to Capture Oral Histories of Veterans

A filmmaker, with expertise in capturing compelling narratives, can collaborate closely with the museum to document the firsthand accounts of World War II veterans. Through interviews and personalized storytelling techniques, these films can encapsulate the bravery, resilience, and patriotism exhibited by the veterans during one of the world's most challenging periods. A systematic approach of conducting digitization of the veteran’s personal collection of photos would take the work to another level, enhancing the storytelling while also creating value for the veteran’s family.


Bridging Generations through Oral Histories

The inclusion of oral histories in the World War II Museum's exhibits bridges the generational gap, connecting visitors of all ages with the profound experiences of those who lived through the war. Hearing veterans recount their stories ignites empathy and understanding, enabling younger generations to appreciate the significance of historical events beyond textbooks and classroom lectures.


Ethical Considerations and Informed Consent

Respecting the ethical considerations of capturing oral histories is paramount. The museum and filmmakers must obtain informed consent from the veterans, ensuring they willingly participate in the process. A collaborative approach ensures that veterans have agency over their stories, allowing them to own all of their content while granting the museum a limited license for preservation and public education. This important detail is at the heart of our work with STORYSMART.

We work with host organizations like Museums to undertake quality filmmaking services that are actually owned by the individual whose story we tell. The institution that is paying for our services retains a license to use the work for their educational and even fundraising purposes.

The legal relationship can also be flipped. The Museum could own the copyright on the work while granting the veteran and their family a license to it so they can pass it down through the generations. We believe the ethical approach is to be transparent and clear about ownership.


Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability

To guarantee the long-term sustainability of the digital archive, the World War II Museum can establish comprehensive preservation strategies. Backing up data, implementing redundancy measures, and staying abreast of evolving digital archiving technologies will safeguard these oral histories for future generations.


Conclusion

Preserving cultural heritage through digital archiving of oral histories is not merely an option; it is an imperative for museums. By embracing this innovative approach and collaborating with filmmakers, the World War II Museum in New Orleans can elevate its exhibits, fostering a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by the veterans who shaped history. Together, let us ensure that these heroic stories endure, inspiring and educating generations to come.


--Ron Watermon, the Founder & CEO of STORYSMART with ghostwriting assistance from Chat GPT

About STORYSMART®


Nothing is more enduring than a beautiful film that brings a story alive on screen and in our hearts. Great stories demand nothing less than cinematic Hollywood-quality storytelling. STORYSMART® specializes in helping public figures such as professional athletes, entertainers, former elected officials and celebrities make the most of their story using a proprietary approach that blends Hollywood-style cinematic storytelling with museum-like collection curation and story-focused brand licensing.

STORYSMART® provides Hollywood Quality filmmaking and storytelling consulting services, functioning as a high-end work-for-hire ghostwriting service specializing in cinematic storytelling rather than being limited to traditional book publishing (hint - you can do both if your are smart about your storytelling derivative rights). STORYSMART® services range from story preservation digital archive services like those used by Oprah Winfrey, Bon Jovi and Billy Graham, to story development, screenwriting, licensing, and professional documentary filmmaking.

STORYSMART® is ideal for clients interested in controlling and monetizing their own storytelling through story-based media production, publishing, and merchandising.

Learn more about our customized white glove approach and book your FREE CONFIDENTIAL consultation at storysmart.net

Filmmaking For ALL™ My Own Story™ Storytelling For ALL™

About Ron Watermon


Ron Watermon is the founder and CEO of STORYSMART, a nationwide premium storytelling service that empowers clients to have their stories professionally produced by experienced Filmmakers while retaining their intellectual property rights.

A creative and innovative communications leader with nearly three decades of experience, prior to founding STORYSMART, Ron spent 18 MLB seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals where he was responsible for modernizing the team's communications by leading their investment in video storytelling, brand journalism, fan engagement and social media.

Ron, who lost his father when he was five years old, knows how profoundly important and deeply personal storytelling is within families. He founded STORYSMART because he believes everyone matters, deserves to be remembered and is entitled to have their story told professionally.

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