DR. EDWARD GONZALEZ-TENNANT EXAMINES ORAL HISTORY AND OFFERS HIS TIME AND EXPERTISE TO THE CEDAR KEY AREA

Edward Gonzalez-Tennant, Ph.D. spoke with an involved and varied group of eighteen Cedar Keyans on Saturday, June 29, 2013, from 1PM to 3:45PM at the Library. Currently an assistant professor of anthropology at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey, Dr. Tennant employs his expertise conducting, and teaching his students to conduct, oral histories focused upon Hurricane Sandy`s recent effects on the Jersey Shore. Tennant`s doctoral degree in anthropology was earned from the University of Florida where his dissertation focused upon the 1923 racial violence in Rosewood, Florida.

The audience`s expressed its concern and the growing need for oral history making here in Cedar Key on such important topics as: area resilience after the March 1993 Storm of the Century; the changes in fauna in the area; watermen`s resilience since the gill net ban; the impact of churches and schools in the last hundred years. Dr. Tennant explained and elaborated on how important oral histories can be in reconstructing the past and influencing the future and sometimes legal decisions; such was the case in Australia and District Six in South Africa in obtaining aboriginal rights and in Rosewood, Florida, in obtaining compensation. Tennant`s question-laden audience, including those who wished to interview family members to those trying to chronicle community attitudes, appreciated his input and direction.

Eighteen member audience discusses oral history with Dr. Tennant

Participant Dr. John Andrews mentioned audio-taped interviews with the late Dr. Fishburne that are still not transcribed. Dr. Tennant offered to transcribe the tapes for Cedar Key. Tennant further offered to return to Cedar Key and help guide the community through an oral history project of its choice. Tennant donated Practices in Oral History: Using Oral History in Community History Projects to the Cedar Key Library; it will instruct interested persons on precisely how to begin such a project.

Tennant`s workshop objectives included: defining oral history; expanding that concept into oral history projects; explaining oral history`s many uses; explaining general principles; elaborating upon best practices; recording methods and concomitant obligations; investigating legal implications; offering interview tips; and establishing the necessary Deed of Gift document that allows the oral historian interviewer the right to use and publish content; the distinctions between journalism and oral history.

Click for printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend