New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs

Local Hero Research Project

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Level: Classroom
Grades: High School (9-12)
School Quarter: 2

Related School Level Activities:

Oral Storytelling Assembly

Activity: Local Hero Research Project

Theme Alignment: New Mexico’s Contribution

Toolkit Overview (In this toolkit):

  • Background
  • How to implement this activity
  • Resources

Background:

History often focuses on the action of a few people at the scale of states and nations However, events are usually the results of movements and actions of many people, especially at the local level. Through this activity, students will have the opportunity to learn about local heroes past and present, and how they contribute to historical and current events. The significance of oral history has been demonstrated by Studs Terkel, a historian famous for his collections of oral histories, such as The Good War. Oral histories work with written sources by giving a broader historical perspective as experienced by a diverse range of people, not just the ones that conventional history approaches consider significant.

At the high school level, multiple interviews should be conducted and other diverse sources should be engaged so that students develop a broad perspective on their hero.

How To:

Link to Implementation / How to

  • Introduction: Watch Conversations with History: Studs Terkel or read about his work. Discuss in class the impact of oral history. Brainstorm in class local heroes from the present or recent past. Suggestions can be roles or specific individuals. Teachers may wish to use NM Heroes or prepare a list of local figures and institutions as a starting point.
  • Students Identify a local hero from the present or recent past to research
    • list of suggestions: veteran, community organizer, indigenous leader, cultural figure, founder of a local institution, scientists, athletes, first responders
  • Use Interview Research Process Extended version or one of the guides in the Resources to develop a methodology, incorporating the following elements:
    • Initial Research: Students research what made this person a hero
    • Obtaining an Interview Appointment
      • Ask to interview them, if they are still alive
      • Ask to Interview others who knew them, if they have passed
      • Explanation of the project and consent to use the interview
    • Prepare for Oral Interviews
    • Write up the Interview
    • Optional: Present hero to class (3-5 minutes, visuals encouraged)
    • Bonus: Send a thank you note to interviewees via mail
  • Use Timeline and Final Product Recommendations as a starting point to develop expectations for this project

Resources:

Books: