Oral History

The Oral History subcommittee is developing oral histories for special programs and topics. Interviews will be program or topic specific rather than the traditional personal, career-oriented histories we usually do. Examples of those we have done so far include interviews and panel discussions on the history of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan and on the National Wetlands Inventory Program. Our new list includes:

• River Basin Studies
• Small Wetlands Acquisition Program
• Law Enforcement (Both Special Agent oriented and Refuge Officer oriented)
• Partners for Fish and Wildlife

We would like the assistance of all FWS retirees to recommend names of appropriate people to interview to capture the real history of those programs. They may be folks involved in planning, administration, or operations. In addition, it would be most useful if you have contact information for anyone you recommend. Recommendations can be sent to john Cornely, Chairperson of the subcommittee. Each program/topic will have a lead coordinator or co-coordinator that will develop questions and strategies to initiate each project. We anticipate using both individual interviews ands panel discussions if feasible. John's e-mail address is johncornely@msn.com . We thank you in advance for your assistance.

Preserving the history and heritage of the Fish and Wildlife Service is one of the primary purposes of the FWS Retirees Association. 

One of the projects that we have undertaken in partnership with the Service’s Heritage Committee and the National Conservation and Training Center is conducting interviews of retirees to record their experiences working for the Fish and Wildlife Service.  We are always looking for other retirees to seek out other retirees and conduct these interviews.  With an increasing number of retirees the need is greater than ever.  And just think, it is a great opportunity to share stories and history with others. 

Click here for the final guidelines for the Oral History Project.

For more information contact one of the board members.

 

Steve Forsythe, 2011, after reunion trip to Anza-Borrego State Park