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Frequently Asked Questions

Oral History Links

How did the Oral History Project start?

How can I be interviewed?

Is there a deadline for submitting materials to the Project?

What does the Release Form state?

How secure is my private information?

How can I obtain a copy of an interview?

How do I conduct a database search of the Oral History Project collection?

I'm not a military veteran, but I contributed to the war effort as a civilian. Do you want my story?

Does the Oral History Project verify the stories it receives?

Don't see your question in this list? Please contact us!


How did the Oral History Project start?

As more and more of America's "Greatest Generation" pass away from us, many of the stories that we enjoyed as family and friends have passed with them. These people, who, at an accelerating rate, grow fewer with each passing day, deserve to have their stories told and it is an honor and a privilege to be a small part of that. While these stories may never be included in a history book, they allow us a personal view of the people and events that shaped this nation. This project was created as a means to preserve the priceless history of the men and women involved in America's effort to win World War II, whether in the military or on the home front, and has been extended to include many topics such as:

          • Veterans of WWII
          • WWII Civilian Defense Employees
          • Veterans of Subsequent Wars and Conflicts
          • The Civil Rights Movement
          • Louisiana Musical Pioneers
          • Oil and Gas Industry Entrepreneurs
          • Local Community Leaders

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How can I be interviewed?

Most interviews are conducted at the R.W. Norton Art Gallery. For information regarding the interview process, click here to contact us or call (318) 865-4201 ext. 122.

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Is there a deadline for submitting materials to the Project?

No, the Project is ongoing. However, it is often important to record these stories as soon as possible while the memories are still clear.

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What does the Release Form state?

The Release Form gives the R.W. Norton Art Foundation the right to use the information collected as necessary to make it available to the public in a variety of ways such as:

  • Books
  • Magazine Articles
  • Historical Research
  • Website Presentation
  • Public Presentations
The Release Forms do not transfer any copyrights to the R.W. Norton Art Foundation. Any and all copyright interests that exist in the materials remain with the veteran and interviewer(s). The Release Form reads as follows:


CLIENT RELEASE FORM

I, ______________, am a participant in the R. W. Norton Art Foundation Oral History Project (hereinafter "OHP"). I understand that the purpose of the OHP is to collect audio and video-taped oral histories pertinent to Shreveport, Louisiana, and surrounding states´ histories, as well as selected related documentary materials (such as photographs, recordings, documents, artifacts and manuscripts) that may be deposited in the permanent collections of the R. W. Norton Art Foundation. The deposited documentary materials will serve as a record of historical experiences and may be used for scholarly and educational purposes. I understand that the R. W. Norton Art Foundation plans to retain the product of my participation as part of its permanent collection and that the materials may be used for exhibition, publication, presentation on the World Wide Web and successor technologies, and for promotion of the R. W. Norton Art Foundation and its activities in any medium.

I hereby grant to the R. W. Norton Art Foundation ownership of the physical property delivered to the Foundation and the right to use the property that is the product of my participation (for example, my interview, performance, photographs, and documentary materials including written materials) as stated above. By giving permission, I understand that I do not give up any copyright or performance rights that I may hold.

I also grant to the R. W. Norton Art Foundation my absolute and irrevocable consent for any photograph(s) provided by me or taken of me in the course of my participation in the OHP to be used, published, and copied by the R. W. Norton Art Foundation and its assignees in any medium.

I agree that the R. W. Norton Art Foundation may use my name, video or photographic image or likeness, statements, performance and voice reproduction, or other sound effects without further approval on my part.

I release the R. W. Norton Art Foundation, and its assignees and designees, from any and all claims and demands arising out of or in connection with the use of such recordings, documents and artifacts, including but not limited to, any claims for defamation, invasion of privacy or right of publicity.


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How secure is my private information?

The only information that will appear on the online Oral History Project database are the name, date and place of birth, and service history (if applicable). Social Security Account Numbers, home addresses, and phone numbers are not available to the public.

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How can I obtain a copy of an interview?

An Audio CD and a written transcript is given to the interviewee free of charge. Additional copies are available for a small fee to family members and other individuals with the permission of the interviewee. Information about the request process and current associated fees is available by contacting us.

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How do I conduct a database search of the Oral History Project collection?

Select SEARCH THE DATABASE and use the various criteria to narrow the field of your inquiry. You may conduct searches by the following criteria: name, search topic (see list), branch of service, unit (such as battalion, regiment, ship, etc.) and gender

You may also search for key words in the transcript however the transcripts themselves are not available online.

Images may be viewed directly and image captions are searchable.

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I'm not a military veteran, but I contributed to the war effort as a civilian. Do you want my story?

Yes! The Oral History Project collects stories and materials from the homefront as well as from the battlefield. Any wartime veteran or U.S. citizen civilian who was actively involved in supporting war efforts has a story.

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Does the Oral History Project verify the stories it receives?

The R.W. Norton Art Gallery does not verify the accuracy of these accounts. The opinions expressed in the interviews are those of the interviewee only and are made available to the public with his or her express consent.

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