PRESQUE ISLE – Students in Dr. Kim Sebold’s oral history class at the University of Maine at Presque Isle have conducted interviews with local people about the way life used to be in northern Maine so that researchers, historical societies and Maine people can have access to the information for generations to come. Sebold’s students spent eight weeks this summer interviewing locals about everything from the extensive winter carnivals that northern Maine towns used to hold to the musical traditions in Aroostook County. Students were expected to complete transcripts of all their interviews, which Sebold plans to share with selected local historical societies and the Maine Folklife Center in Orono. Copies also will be housed in the University’s Special Collections room.
“This is about preserving a slice of life, so people can listen to and utilize this information,” Sebold said. “This is for future generations.”
Most immediately, Fort Fairfield residents will use the information in conjunction with their town’s 150th anniversary celebration.
Sebold said history majors at the University will continue their efforts to preserve local history this fall when she teaches her discovering and interpreting local history class.