Step One: Introduction to Oral History

Beatrice's Garden

Interview a family member, neigbor, or community leader. The Patrick family shared their memories of Jeanne Beatrice Braud and her garden with Community of Gardens.

  • What is an oral history?
  • Do you have a garden? 
  • What is your personal experience with gardens?
  • What is an archive?

Read, listen, and watch Community of Gardens stories online to get familiar with the type of stories that can be told using Community of Gardens as a platform. Engaging with the stories of others and their life experiences will help you understand how gardens both reflect and shape ideas about cultural heritage, community, and the environment.

After reading the stories: Did anything surprise you? What do you think we can learn about personal, community, and national history from garden stories?