The Oral History Project seeks to document and celebrate the rich and varied history of Grinnell College. We started collecting histories during the 130th Alumni Reunion, May 29-31, 2009. More than 100 alumni from classes ranging from 1948 to 1999 shared their memories, personal stories, and insights, providing shape and context to the social and educational history of the College.

Through these living histories, interviewees shared recollections of their experiences at Grinnell, including their perceptions on the history of the school, the contributions of its community members, and the College's role in and response to political, social, and economic issues, as well as events of then and now.

The following edited clips are a small sample of the histories recorded during Reunion Weekend. By early 2010, all recorded materials will be available online. In addition, master versions of each interview, along with edited transcriptions and summaries, will be available for research purposes through the Grinnell College Libraries' Archives and Special Collections.