The University of Illinois Springfield’s Sangamon Experience and UIS Performing Arts Center will host “Story Harvest,” a free afternoon of workshops exploring how oral histories can preserve memories, uncover overlooked stories and strengthen connections to the past.

“Some of the most meaningful history lives in the memories of our families, neighbors, and communities,” said Anne Moseley, director of engagement and curator of the Sangamon Experience. “Story Harvest invites people to learn how to capture those stories and discover the powerful ways oral history can preserve the past and inspire new conversations.”

The workshops will be held from 12:30 to 4:45 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, on the first floor of the Public Affairs Center at UIS, One University Plaza, Springfield. They are open to artists, historians, educators, students and community members. Registration is encouraged but not required, and participants may attend one or both sessions.

The first workshop, “Story Harvest: Collecting Oral Histories,” will be held from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and led by Mark DePue, retired oral historian at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. DePue will discuss how to gather oral histories and memories for family, church and business histories, as well as creative and professional projects. He will also share techniques used by professional oral historians when conducting interviews.

The second session, “Story Harvest: From Memory to Meaning,” will be held from 2:45 to 4:45 p.m. and bring together filmmakers, public historians, writers and storytellers to explore how oral history can foster connection, discovery and understanding.

Scott Loyd, oral history manager at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, will moderate the panel. Panelists include Treasure Shields Redmond, executive director of The Community Archive: 1917 East St. Louis Race Massacre Descendants’ Oral Histories Collection; Evie Rodenbaugh, creator of the digital exhibit “Radio That Listens to You: 50 Years of NPR Illinois”; and Tara McAndrew, a local writer, historian and UIS alumna.

Panelists will share examples from their work and discuss how oral histories can uncover overlooked stories, preserve cultural memory and strengthen connections between communities and their past. Participants will also learn how personal narratives can inspire creative work, encourage dialogue and deepen understanding of local history.

The workshops are part of the UIS Performing Arts Center’s Our Stage / Our Voices initiative and are presented in collaboration with the Sangamon Experience. The initiative is supported in part by the UIS Visionary Giving Circle.