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Talking About Work: Oral Histories of People Living or Working in Montgomery County, Virginia, 2006-2011

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These oral histories were conducted by students in HUM 2504: Introduction to American Studies, taught by Dr. Emily Satterwhite. Student interviewers crafted questions about interviewees’ upbringing, employment experiences, and perceptions of the American Dream. Students then conducted the interviews and shaped portions of the interviewees’ transcribed comments into lively narrative versions.

These stories help chronicle the histories of Blacksburg, Montgomery County, and the interconnected surrounding areas. Publishing this material helps to bring the students’ work with their community partners back to the community, enabling local people to claim and share their own histories.

All related materials are archived in the Special Collections Department, Newman Library, Virginia Tech. A Finding Aid is available to the physical collection, Ms 2012-005. Professional researchers interested in additional information about the interviewees may contact Special Collections regarding access to restricted files.

Special thanks go to University Archivist Tamara Kennelly, VTechWorks manager Nathan Hall, and undergraduate students Rachael Seiler, Susan Nguyen, and Amber Lee for their assistance with this project.

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