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ORAL HISTORY INTERVIEW

From our brief telephone conversation, I sense that you like to be well prepared. Some people get nervous when asked to do an oral history interview because they do not know what to expect. Their only knowledge of interviews is what they have seen on television. I want to emphasize that this is not a typical experience. Most historians use oral history interviews as a way of learning and recording the stories of people's lives. We have learned that our books and museum exhibits are more meaningful when we include the words and ideas of participants.

At the Museum we have the opportunity to meet a large number of diverse individuals from the world of aviation. We often have the privilege of sitting and talking with these folks. By taping such conversations the Museum can share the insights of these "historical actors" with a much wider audience. What we have in mind then, for your interview is that same kind of easy conversation that you might have around a lunch table and not some kind of formal inquisition.

In my experience, I have found it useful to provide a modest amount of structure to the discussion. Conversations that ramble aimlessly often drift off the subject and do not prove very useful for future researchers. For example, comments on the weather would not be of much interest. What I thought would be most beneficial for our interview session would be to divide the discussion into four parts.

The first part of the interview would be devoted to your background. Questions would cover when and where were you born, your family, growing up, school and college experiences. I might ask about who or what was most influential in your early life. I will ask about your early interest in flying. The second part of the interview would look at your early work life. The third section would cover your WASP days. In particular, we would like to learn about your post-training experiences. You will talk about flight testing during the evening lecture, so you need no repeat those stories. Finally, I would like to know about your post-WASP experience. I usually ask members of the WASP to describe the significance of that experience to their later life.

You may want to comment on current events. For example, many former WASPS feel a special kindship with the women who serve in military aviation today. Several have strong opinions about whether women should be permitted to fly combat aircraft. If you would like to venture into current events, we would welcome the addition of your opinions.

It may be helpful to know something of the background of the four of us. Rick Leyes, as you know, if the curator of engines.