Thought this might be of interest to some of you...

Oak Ridge records voices of its history
http://www.wbir.com/print.aspx?storyid=79719
By Jim Matheny<mailto:[log in to unmask]&body=Link:http://www.wbir.com/print.aspx?storyid=79719>
A local organization is working to record the voices of those who witnessed the history of Oak Ridge first-hand while the aging group is still able to tell the tale.
A few years ago the government issued a mandate for all facilities involved in the Manhattan Project to document the histories of their development. Those efforts by the plants in Oak Ridge included many recorded audio interviews.
The Center for Oak Ridge Oral History (COROH) builds on the previous government effort by recording interviews relevant to the history of the city as a whole. That includes the histories of people who worked and lived in Oak Ridge prior to the Manhattan Project to the present.
"Between 300 and 400 oral histories have been recorded from people who worked at the three major Oak Ridge plants," said Kathy McNeilly, director of the Oak Ridge Public Library. "We want to hear from anyone who observed or was affected by the construction of this city."
McNeilly said the plants are in the process of releasing the existing recordings to the Oak Ridge Public Library. As of now, around 25 oral histories are available along with complete written transcripts of the recordings. McNeilly expects more to be released as they are screened for any classified information.
"It's so personal to hear that person talk about what part they played and what they felt when they came to this town," said McNeilly. "Every community has a unique history, but the city of Oak Ridge certainly follows a path unlike many in east Tennessee."
McNeilly said some of the recordings the group desires includes those displaced by the construction of the secret city.
"One of the recordings that stuck with me was about a soldier fighting overseas who got a letter from home saying they were forced to leave their home." McNeilly added, "The wrenching he felt, unable to do anything about the situation, while he fought for his country is incredible."
Many families had relocated to the Oak Ridge area after being displaced by TVA. In 1942, many of those families were again forced to relocate.
"I heard the history of one woman who was upset because nobody talked to them or explained why they were ordered out," said McNeilly. "It was something they didn't understand and you hear the hurt and anger that persists from those early days."
McNeilly said the oral histories can include people who did not live in the city, but were impacted by the sudden presence of thousands of people.
"On top of the population boom, you also have to consider what it was like since most of those people were in their 20's," said McNeilly. "We want to hear from anyone, whether it is how this affected the job market or the price of goods."
McNeilly said future plans for COROH include a website where people can listen to some of the oral histories. It currently plans to record another 50 oral histories and is gathering applications from others who are willing to share their past.
"It's the story of the people who were here, the people who experienced it, and the people who made this happen," said McNeilly.
COROH is a collaborative effort between the library and several organizations, including the Department of Energy, the American Museum of Science and Energy, the University of Tennessee Center for Study of War and Society, and others. For more information about the Center for Oak Ridge Oral History, Kathy McNeilly can be reached at the Oak Ridge Public Library at 865-425-3455.

Donna P. Curtis
Analyst - Policy & Operational Compliance
Y-12 National Security Complex
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