If These Woods Could Talk

An oral history of Wisconsin's Northwoods

LISTEN HERE at WXPR.org

The Rhinelander District Library is seeking stories about the Northwoods. We want to record your voice telling your stories the way you want to tell them.

So, what constitutes a story?
Let’s talk about…

  • a life in the Northwoods and how things have changed

  • folklore and cultural memory

  • local historical events you witnessed

  • your own historical research

  • the biggest musky your grandpa ever pulled out of Boom Lake

  • a biography of someone you admire(d)

  • the time the whole town came together to save the orphanage

  • a conversation with another lifelong local

  • the High School Mock Trial National Championship team you were on

  • a family secret that’s too good to keep

Do you have interest in recording or an idea for a story?

7 + 9 =

Old Brown

Okay! I have a story to tell. Where do I begin?

We want to help you tell your story the way it should be told.
You could…

  • record a conversation with a friend related to a topic
  • interview someone
  • come to RDL to be interviewed yourself
  • find a comfortable spot to record on your own
  • put a recorder in the middle of a big, round table and let the family hash out the minute details

How do I record?

Use your own handheld recorder or even your smartphone.

What if I don't have a recording device?

RDL has you covered! Check out our easy-to-use recording kit. It’s simple to set up, and includes a recorder and two microphones.

What sort of audio editing software do I need?

Don’t worry about it. RDL and WXPR staff will make sure your story is cleaned up and ready to be heard.

recording kit natural habitat graphic

CONTACT

Matt Persike
LSA II / Project Lead, If These Woods Could Talk
715-365-1070 Ext. 2074
IfTheseWoodsCouldTalk@gmail.com
Rhinelander District Library
106 N. Stevens St.
Rhinelander, WI 54501
715-365-1070