Interviews
Search more than 1,000 interviews in more than a dozen oral history collections. Search by collection name or interviewee name.
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U.S. Army infantryman in Europe during WW II
University of Iowa Athletic Director discusses early days of girls basketball.
From State Fair volunteer to Director of the IL State Fair Museum.
Lawrence County grain farmer describes the impact of the pandemic on farming.
Team doctor for Jacksonville High School shares his perspective on his role in sports.
U.S. Naval officer who served a number of roles in the Pacific Theater
Coach of Rockford Auburn High School Scholastic Bowl for twenty-four years.
Marine infantryman and Chosin Reservoir survivor
A teacher, writer, and historian reflects on Reagan's political career and Homecoming in Dixon celebration.
Expert on school funding models reviews Illinois's recent history.
Summer Griffith shares about the loss of her mother due to COVID-19
Korean War era infantryman who served with the 3rd Infantry Division
Researcher with the Lee County Historical Society reflects on her memories of young Ronald Reagan.
One of Gov. Jim Edgar's key executive assistants discusses Edgar's attempt to fix Illinois' pension problem
Worked with Jim Edgar in the offices of Secretary of State and Governor
A township school treasurer discusses Illinois school funding.
Teacher and administrator at Quest Academy in Palatine, IL.
Communications Studies professor examines the current state of journalism in America.
A civilian survivor of the Vietnam War who fled that country in 1987
Video tour of the Abraham & Mary Lincoln home in Springfield, Illinois
Storekeeper on board the U.S.S. Mindanao in the Pacific Theater
Policy Director for Education in Lt. Governor Sheila Simon’s office.
Infantry squad leader with the 196th Infantry Brigade during the Vietnam War
Bank worker, church and community volunteer
A farm extension specialist starts a business program for farm wives.
Radio operator for the 9th Infantry Division in Europe
Superintendent for dual school districts located in Ohio, Illinois.
Engineer who served on the U.S.S. Franklin in the Pacific
A Latvian immigrant who arrived in America in 1951 after several years in German refugee camps.
Korean War infantryman and prisoner of war
94th Division veteran and prisoner of war in Germany
Illinois Pension Crisis from the perspective of a school district financial officer
Director of Brimfield Public Library District discusses the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the library and surrounding community
An Illinois archaeologist reflects on his career
A career teacher and school administrator discusses school reorganization initiatives.
USPHS commander details his experience with the COVID-19 pandemic
Long-time employee of John Deere discusses equipment innovations.
Kathryn Harris portrays Civil War legend Harriet Tubman.
Kathryn discusses her career with IL State Historical Library and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library
Kathryn discusses her family life as an African-American in southern Illinois
A Church of God minister who was very active in the civil rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s
A member of Illinois' Classrooms First Commission discusses school reorganization.
Member of the Governor's Classroom First Commission discusses school reorganization.
Discussion with Owner and Manager of Aqua Ranch (fish and vegetables).
Former Illinois Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and 1990 gubernatorial candidate
Discussion with a life-long farmer and the former Director of Agriculture for IL.
Journalist and author of numerous works on Illinois history and politics.
An Illinois legislator from 1981 through 1986 before heading to the U.S. House
Superintendent of the Milford Area Public Schools District #124 discusses his district's reorganization.
Nineteen year old 4-H and FFA member shares experiences in agriculture.
Manager of minor league baseball team discusses impact of pandemic
Lutheran Social Services of Illinois Storybook Project
A riveter in a Boeing Aircraft plant in Seattle Washington during WWII
U.S. Army MP in postwar Korea
Civics advocate discusses 'Bring Back Civics campaign' and HB 4025.
Changing farm practices lead to raising beef and elk for market.
Site Superintendent of Lincoln’s New Salem Historic Site
Burnell's early life in Freeburg, IL and education.
Administrative assistant to State Senator Barack Obama
Daughter of photographer ‘Doc’ Helm, and admin asst to state Senator Barack Obama from 2001 to 2004
Daughter of photographer ‘Doc’ Helm, and admin asst to state Senator Barack Obama from 2001 to 2004
Member of the 33rd Infantry Division Field Artillery in the European Theater
Witness to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor
Naval Intelligence Office worker for the European Theater
Architect who worked on the Old State Capitol restoration project
Campaign Manager for Jim Edgar
A legal group member of Chicago Public Schools gives information about a 2017 CPS lawsuit.
Home school parent discusses the benefits and challenges of home schooling.
Army MP who served in Kosovo in 2002
University of Illinois Chemist discusses development of the Shield Illinois Saliva test
Illinois State Representative discusses the impact of COVID-19 on state government and her district
Growing up with a fallout shelter in the basement
Lifelong Chatham, Illinois resident and Air Force veteran
Amish farm couple talk about life on an Amish farm
Amish farm couple talk about life on an Amish farm
Mess Sergeant for artillery unit during Korean War
Personnel clerk and chapel organist in Vietnam
Professor of Curriculum and Instruction at the U. of Wisconsin discusses civics education.
Principal of the Springfield School District’s Lincoln Magnet School.
Executive Director of the Illinois High School Association from 2002 to 2016.
President of the Peoria branch of the NAACP discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
Life-long employee of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Chief Operating Officer of the Rock Island County Health Department describes the impact of the pandemic
An infantry veteran of both WW II and the Korean War
State Board of Education perspective on school funding.
IHSA executive who oversaw several new sports introduced to high schools in Illinois.
Principal of Pui Tak Christian School in Chicago’s Chinatown details her pandemic experiences
Principal at Wheaton Academy, a private Christian based school.
Career educator discusses his involvement with the 1985 Educational Reform Act.
Graduate of IL Math Science Academy discusses the school's early years.
Experiences as an instructional coach at Glenview District 34.
A school consolidation opponent in rural Illinois shares her views.
Trinity Lutheran School principal discusses the parochial school educational model.
Life on a depression era Mississippi farm.
Life on a depression era Mississippi farm and in the Cold War Army
F-84 pilot with Air Force during Korean War
Army Supply Sergeant during Korean War
Charter member of Springfield Decatur Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and retired engineer for Illinois Bell
Serving in many levels of education throughout her career including an appointment to the Illinois State Board of Education.