Oral history
Oral history is the practice of facilitating and recording in-depth conversations (typically life stories) that invite rich detail, deep context, and new meaning-making. I’ve conducted in-depth oral histories from Cuba to Myanmar, Paraguay to Standing Rock, for both independent projects (such as my book, Nowhere to Be Home) and for clients, including the Smithsonian, McSweeney’s and Ashoka. I also help train organizations, communities and individuals in how to collect and preserve their own oral histories. Explore some of my oral history work:
Nowhere to be Home: Narratives from Burma’s Military Regime (Editor)
Nowhere to Be Home is an eye-opening 500-page collection of oral histories exposing the realities of life under military rule. In their own words, men and women from Burma describe their lives in the country that Human Rights Watch has called “the textbook example of a police state.” The book has been published in both English and Burmese language, and is supported with a study and discussion guide about human rights and peacebuilding in Burmese.
The Face of the Protector:
Oral Histories from Women on the Frontlines at Standing Rock
While reports about the historic gathering at Standing Rock often cover the struggles on the “front line” and updates from recognized authorities, the protector camp has been deeply shaped and sustained by women whose stories and perspectives are lesser known. These women—who represent many places, ages, tribes, and other identities—are core to the story of Standing Rock. They run kitchens, start schools, organize supplies, provide healing, and offer wisdom.
“Maggie is a skilled oral historian/storyteller who incorporates those techniques in all of her work. She is truly collaborative—making sure that everyone is heard and their thoughts considered, and she is always envisioning ways to expand and grow opportunities. Her process is one of mutual learning and teaching, and the end result is consistently better for it.”
— Anna Kaplan, DC Oral History Collaborative
