SCLT is Seeking Voices of Our History

Sheridan Community Land Trust is collecting oral histories from Sheridan County residents through its new Voices of Our History program.

Led by History and Outreach Assistant Kaitlin Shaw, the program records firsthand memories to preserve details of local life that may be missing from Sheridan’s written histories. Its first theme, Living on the Land: Memories of Work, Water, and Home in Sheridan County, focuses on agriculture, ranching, family and everyday life.

Shaw said much of the daily life of regular people in history has been lost to time. But it’s the “normal” aspects of that daily life that connect many people with history. Large historical events receive the majority of the pages in history books. But for Shaw, who is working to piece together and preserve the daily life of regular Sheridan residents, no story and no aspect of history is too small to save from time.     

  K. Shaw 

SCLT Director of History Kevin Knapp said the inspiration for the program came directly from the public. Knapp said the interviews also reveal histories of locations and people that have faded from memory. 

K. Knapp   

The land trust is seeking more participants, particularly longtime farmers and ranchers and veterans with agricultural or ranching experience. People with stories passed down through their families are also encouraged to take part.

Find contact information and more by clicking here.