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Special Collections & University Archives: Oral History Interviews

Welcome to our LibGuide! Use the pages here to learn more about our department and research collections.

RGV Oral History Collection

Special Collections & University Archives collects and supports oral history research conducted with members of the community to preserve the cultural heritage of our region.

The Rio Grande Valley Oral History Collection consists of over 500 digitized oral histories recorded and collected by faculty, staff, students, and community members and donated to the University Library.  Oral histories provide unique, and in many instances, otherwise unavailable written information, and as such provide valuable insight into life in the region, including immigration, military service, ranching, education, agriculture, border violence, sports, and much more.

Mrs. "Lula" Gene Stroud

Photo: Mrs. Gene Stroud was interviewed by our staff member, Sean Visintainer, in 2018.

Oral history interviews serve an important role in interdisciplinary research and generally:

  • Focus on lived experiences​
  • Are retrospective/historical in nature
  • Project a conversational tone
  • Provide a unique narrative
  • Reveal details of daily life

Other Oral History Projects @UTRGV

External Resources for Oral Projects

Get Research Assistance!

Submit an Online Research Request Form

Maximize your time and effort. Let our staff assist you with finding and accessing resources online.

Schedule a Research Appointment (On Campus or Online)

We also invite you to schedule an appointment to meet one-on-one with a member of our Special Collections & Archives staff. Schedule an on-campus research visit or choose to meet online (video chat).