Loudoun County Oral History Project 1975-1998

Access and use

Location of collection:
Thomas Balch Library
Thomas Balch Library
208 West Market Street
Leesburg, Virginia 20176
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Alexandra S. Gressitt
Phone: (703) 737-7195
Fax: (703) 737-7195

Summary

Creator:
Loudoun County Public Library
Abstract:
This collection consists of oral history recordings and written transcripts of the recordings related to Loudoun County history and culture. These sound recordings were made on cassette tapes and include information on family histories, community histories, schooling, politics, and the socio-economic issues faced by families in Loudoun County. Many interviews also focus on specific topics including: the civil rights movement, integration of Loudoun County schools, and the Great Depression. The collection also includes photos of some of the interviewees. The collection is filed by format in 7 boxes. There are 3 boxes of transcripts and 4 boxes of cassettes. The date of each interview (transcript and tape) is included in the container list.
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of oral history recordings and written transcripts of the recordings related to Loudoun County history and culture. These sound recordings were made on cassette tapes and include information on family histories, community histories, schooling, politics, and the socio-economic issues faced by families in Loudoun County. Many interviews also focus on specific topics including: the civil tights movement, integration of Loudoun County schools, and the Great Depression. The collection also includes photos of some of the interviewees. The collection is filed by format in 7 boxes. There are 3 boxes of transcripts and 4 boxes of cassettes. The date of each interview (transcript and tape) is included in the container list.

The oral history recordings are only accessible in digital format (.wav files), which can be transferred to a CD on request for in-library use. Prior arrangements are suggested to use the collection. Please contact library staff ahead of time.

NOTES: Inconsistent audio quality in cassettes. Not all oral history transcripts have cassette records.

Biographical / historical:

In the mid-1970s the first interviews for what became the Loudoun County Oral History Project were conducted with the purpose of interviewing Loudoun County locals in order to preserve the history, culture, and lifestyles of previous generations. Many oral histories were recorded between 1975 and 1978, however the project lost momentum and almost a decade elapsed before any other interviews were recorded. In the mid-1980s, the oral history project continued and recorded interviews from 1986 to 1992. A number of interviews were also recorded between 1994 and 1998. Eugene Scheel, a local historian and cartographer, conducted the majority of the interviews. Other interviewers who participated in the project include: Jane Sullivan, Vivian Chola, Barbara Dutton, and Loudoun Valley High School students. The individuals interviewed for the project included members of well-known Loudoun families such as Cockerill, Fry, Furr, Potts, Powell, and Purcell. Also interviewed were Important and notable individuals within the Loudoun County community including B. Powell and Agnes Harrison, Anna Hedrich, Louisa Hutchison, Basham Simms, Charles Blair Tavenner, and John W. Tolbert.

Acquisition information:
Loudoun County Public Library, Leesburg, VA
Arrangement:

Box: folder