The purpose of the historical contextualization research paper for this oral history project is threefold: (1) To provide the context in which readers can understand the interview (i.e. what was happening during the time in which the interview covers); (2) Allow the interviewer to become an expert in the period or event their interview will be focusing on; (3) Research provides context from which interview questions can be developed both prior to, and during, the interview.

The success of any oral history interview is dependent on how much the interviewer knows about the person, period or event that the interview will focus upon. A failure to conduct thorough research of your interview period or event will not only result in an ineffectual interview but is also disrespectful to the interviewee. Be mindful that your interview selection is sharing his or her life with you and you have an obligation to come to the interview with a thorough understanding of the history your interview covers. As you research keep in mind Edward Hallet Carr who said in his article "What Is History?" - "An unending dialogue between the historian and his or her facts."

• Like any good historian, you must examine all aspects of a historical period or event. When appropriate, insert your interviewee into the contextualization.

• Considering the "professional" nature of this project, your research should draw from "sophisticated" primary and secondary sources that must include the experts in the area you are focusing on (i.e., Stephen Ambrose on World War II, David Halberstam on The Fifties, or John Hope Franklin on Race). Make sure that their interpretations are reflected in your contextualization. Your textbook and general encyclopedias should only serve as reference sources.

• In order to understand the broad context of the history you are researching you are responsible to examine "newspapers of the day" (i.e., The New York Times, Washington Post) that highlight what was being covered during the period you are studying.

• While the Internet is a valuable resource it should be used with caution. Make sure you interview each source, questioning its validity.

• As you research begin to develop possible interview questions as well as collecting artifacts that might be useful in your museum exhibition.

• Any successful research paper requires revision. Keep in mind that you will be revising this historical contextualization following your interview in order to insure that any new history that emerges out of your interview is reflected in the historical contextualization.

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