The Tools of the Trade of Field-working Oral historians and Folklorists

The tape-recorder, microphone, camera, notebook and pencil, and now their digital equivalents, are the tools of the trade of field-working oral historians and folklorists. This paper discusses the contribution that fieldwork in oral history and folklore can make to identifying objects and their uses, documenting and interpreting the past, and recording the experiences of the men and women who used the objects. Illustrated with photos, audio-recordings and film from community projects.
The lecture will be followed by a Q&A. Attendees are also welcome to stay for a free drinks reception from approximately 7pm where you can discuss the lecture and other interests with the speaker, Society Fellows and other attendees.
This talk will be presented by Professor Margaret Bennett, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Margaret Bennett’s interest in traditional culture began in Skye, where she grew up. She studied Folklore at Memorial University of Newfoundland then gained a PhD in Ethnology from Edinburgh University where she lectured at School of Scottish Studies from 1983 to 96. Author of 15 books, she has received many awards including Honorary Doctorates from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the University of St. Andrews. Margaret is Honorary Professor of Antiquities at the RSA and a Professor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland where she teaches Folklore across the performing arts.

This will be a hybrid event which will take place both in Augustine United Church and online. Please keep an eye on the Society website, e-newsletters and your email inbox for the latest news and further information on Society events.

The Society has a zero-tolerance policy on harassment and bullying.

All attendees are requested to act with respect to one another during this hybrid event.

Anyone making comments which we believe to be inappropriate (e.g. offensive or abusive) will be removed from the event immediately. Equivalent procedures (e.g. with regard to spam) will apply online.

Please note, the hearing loop facility at Augustine United Church is currently unavailable. The venue is working to get this fixed as soon as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

The main entrance to the church is up four steps with a handrail.

Step free access is available via a door to the right of the building - please ring the bell for attention. Please note there is a tight turn in this passageway.

A standard accessible toilet is available on the ground floor and lower level (accessible via lift).

Assistance dogs are allowed inside the venue.

If attending via Zoom, captions are included.

You can find further information on Accessibility here.

The Society is grateful for our 2,600 Fellows across the globe whose support enables us to make these event free and open to all. If you're interested in being part of this network and supporting a charity that has actively supported the study and enjoyment of Scotland’s past for over 240 years, visit our Join Us page for more information about the benefits of becoming a Fellow.
Want to keep up to date with our public-facing events and opportunities? Sign up to the Society's free public e-newsletter and receive updates direct to your inbox.

Header image credit: Professor Margaret Bennett

Host or Publisher Society of Antiquaries of Scotland