Public History & Memory

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Interview and web participation consent form

THE WORCESTER HOMEFRONT PROJECT
This research investigates daily life in Worcester, Massachusetts during the Second World War. This research will be conducted through one-on-one interviews with approximately 30 individuals who lived and/or worked in Worcester during that time. Eleven Holy Cross students will conduct these interviews, each of which will last approximately 60 minutes (or longer if the interviewee so chooses).
Students will begin the interview by asking the interviewee basic background questions (birth, occupation, residence, etc.). Students will then ask the interviewee more specific questions about the interviewee's experiences in Worcester during WWII, including not limited to questions about family and work life, city institutions, views of government during the war, views of the enemy during the war, their sense of why the US was fighting the war, the structure of their household economy, the role of religion/faith communities in the city, public events, leisure activities, and the presence of the war in daily lives, etc.
This research presents no physical risk to participants. The oral interviews will be tape recorded (and in some cases, if agreed upon by the interviewee, video recorded - see below). Students will transcribe the interviews and allow each interviewee to review their transcript and make any desired changes before it is placed upon a website devoted to this project. Aspects of the interview will also be excised for use throughout relevant portions of the website (for example, recollections of rationing may appear in a section about household economics during the war). You must be 18 years old to participate.
I understand that my participation in this research is fully voluntary and that I have the right to withdraw at any point. I understand that I am participating in a project that will make my recollections public through a website now and possibly through other scholarly ventures (for example, an exhibition, book, etc.) in the future. I understand that I have the right to review my exact interview transcript and to edit the final content of my interview that will appear on the web before the website is published. I also understand that the transcripts and tape cassettes of my interview will become the property of and deposited with the Worcester Historical Museum (WHM) to make them available for future scholarly uses. I further authorize Professor Yuhl and the WHM to employ my recorded interview and the interview transcript for a variety of non-commercial uses, including but not limited to educational and historical purposes, publication and display in a public oral history collection or exhibition.
I understand that researchers will provide a thorough explanation of the purpose of this research and will be glad to answer any questions that I may have during or after I have finished this study.
This research is sponsored by Professor Stephanie Yuhl, 508-793-2783 (syuhl@holycross.edu). Please contact her if you have any questions.
I have read and understand this statement. I freely consent to participate in this study.
Signature: ____________________________ Date: _____________