ORAL HISTORY INTERVIEWS

The Oral History Centre records, documents, preserves and disseminates information on the history of Singapore through the collective memory of the people. The tapes and transcripts available in the Archives Reference Room are divided into two categories: "A" for unrestricted interviews; and "B" for restricted interviews. Researchers who wish to gain access to restricted interviews, must obtain a written consent from the interviewees.

Overseas Acquisition from the Oral History Centre

The OHC acquired oral history interviews from three British institutions in the year 2000 in order to augment its existing collection of interviews. These interviews were acquired for the Japanese Occupation of Singapore (General) and The Civil Service –A Retrospective projects. From the British Empire & Commonwealth Museum, 32 reels from 11 interviewees were acquired. Similarly, 85 reels from 17 interviewees were acquired from the Imperial War Museum Sound Archive. All interviews from the BECM and IWM were acquired as part of a one-on-one exchange of interviews from each other’s holdings. From the British Library National Sound Archive, a further 27 reels from 2 interviewees were purchased.

Development of Medical Services in Singapore

This project covers the practice of medicine during pre and post-war Singapore. It also records interviewees’ recollection of the old hospitals they worked in and changes in the profile of patients over the decades. Interviewees include doctors, dentists, nurses, health attendants, laboratory technicians and embalmers.

The Civil Service Servants – A retrospective

This project aims to document the history of the civil service through the working experiences of active and retired civil servants. Interviews are conducted with people associated with the Malayan Civil Service, General Clerical Service and the Singapore Civil Service.

Sports Personalities of Singapore

This project was conceived in 1997 as there was a need to document the illustrious sports history of Singapore before 1960s. Interviews are drawn from athletics, badminton, football, hockey, marathon running, professional boxing, shooting, sports administration (and coaching), swimming, tennis and water-polo.

Performing Arts

Conceived to document our rich cultural heritage, interviewees in this project include artistes from modern as well as traditional art forms such as Chinese opera artistes, dramatists, scriptwriters, dancers, actors and singers.

Development of Education in Singapore

This project records the development of education in Singapore since pre-war days. It includes the experiences and contributions of veteran educationists from primary to tertiary level. Interviewees also include alumni and school administrators.

Regional Entrepreneurs

The objective of this project is to trace the changing economic landscape of Singapore through our entrepreneurs. Sectors covered include travel, food, manufacturing, fashion, health, and leisure.

Pondok Peranakan Gelam Club (PPGC)

This project was initiated to document the history of the PPGC (established in 1932) located at 64 Club Street. It was closed down in 2000 and now relocated at Telok Ayer Community Centre. Interviews with ex-residents and also those who were closely associated with the club have been carried out since October 1999.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Started in late August 2000, this project aims to trace the development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Singapore through interviews with Chinese physicians, acupuncturists, dispensers, and wholesalers/retailers/exporters of Chinese medicine.

Finding Aid : Oral History Synopsis Files

< Record Release 2002