Oral History
Our exploration of Andros’ oral history began in 2009 and initially lasted a short while. However, it has continued systematically from 2021 to the present day (2024).
2009-2010
We collected oral testimonies from elderly residents of the Apoikia and Stenies settlements to better understand the landscape of the Andriotic valley. This research was conducted by Giorgos Speis, with contributions from Olga Karagianni. Giorgos Speis later wrote several texts based on these testimonies, which were published on the Andros Film Club website.
2020-Present (2024)
Since 2020, we have collected and transcribed 75 oral testimonies from various regions of Andros, including Menites, Palaiopoli, Kapparia, Vourkoti, Arni, Vouni, Syneti, Aprovatou etc. These efforts follow international standards and aim to highlight the island’s cultural heritage through initiatives designed and implemented by our organization.
Summer 2021
We invited historian Tasoula Vervenioti, an expert in recording oral history in Greece, to Andros to conduct an educational seminar. Participants included members of Andros’ Cultural Associations and our organization’s staff.
summer 2021-winter 2022
Purchase of appropriate equipment for taking oral testimonies: 2 digital tape recorders, 2 video cameras and high-capacity hard drives for files, which are available for use by the informal Oral History Group of Andros and are still in use today.
24 oral testimonies from the areas of Menites, Paleopolis and Kapparia, with the cooperation of the local Cultural Associations, by trained interviewers, with expense of our organization. The interviews are taken, transcribed, archived according to the prescribed specifications. Each interview includes audio and video files, narrator tab, interview summary, diary, concession sheet and thematic transcript.
Both the seminar and the first 24 oral testimonies constitute parts of the Action for local heritage in 3 villages of Andros
submitted by our organisation as proposals in 2020 to the Directorate of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Ministry of Culture and receive support and patronage.
winter 2023
24 oral testimonies from 3 mountain locations of Andros, by a trained interviewer, with expense of our organisation. The interviews are taken, transcribed, archived according to the prescribed specifications. Each interview includes audio and video files, narrator tab, interview summary, diary, concession slip and transcript. The reception of the 24 oral testimonies are part of the action for agri-food tradition and memory in 3 regions of Andros submitted by our organization as a proposal in 2021 to the Directorate of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Ministry of Culture and they receive support and patronage.
spring 2024
In collaboration with other members of the Oral History Group of Andros, we began processing the collected material to create a series of public presentations. The first series, focused on Andros’ most precious commodity, water, is expected to be implemented within the year.
